From 1 July 2010, the Cattle IFS commenced to address biosecurity threats relevant to the WA cattle industry.
The scheme uses funding arrangements authorised under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act), whereby contributions are collected from the WA cattle industry. These contributions replace the ‘transaction charge’ that was authorised under the Cattle Industry Compensation Act 1965.
The Regulations enabling the Cattle IFS can be found on the Western Australian legislation website.
Current programs
A 20 cent contribution on the sale of all cattle/carcasses produced within Western Australia is payable to fund surveillance programs for Johne’s disease in cattle, bovine tuberculosis and enzootic bovine leucosis, and may also be used to manage potential future incursions of other pests/diseases. The scheme operates across the whole of WA.
The scheme also uses funding collected under previous legislation that was transferred to the IFS for various projects that benefit the WA cattle industry, including research and development.
Industry management committee
The Cattle IFS is overseen by an Industry Management Committee:
- Debbie Dowden - Chair (Mt Magnet)
- David Jarvie - Deputy (Metro)
- Wendy Brockhurst - Committee (Fitzroy Crossing)
- Christopher Wyhoon - Committee (Bakers Hill)
- Philip Hall - Committee (Harvey)
- Robert McFerran - Committee (Cowaramup)
- Tamara Michalek - Committee (Gidgegannup)
See also the Cattle IFS management committee strategic plan.
For information on the selection criteria for committee members please refer to Expressions of Interest.
Opting out of the scheme
Participants in the scheme are entitled to benefits such as assistance and compensation (in qualifying circumstances) relating to the priority pests/diseases being addressed by the scheme.
If producers do not want to contribute to the scheme, there is the option to opt out. Contributions are mandatory in the first instance, but a producer who has opted out can have their annual contributions refunded in full.
If you wish to opt out, you must do so between 1 and 30 June each year. See opting out for more information.
Deduction and remittance of contributions
When animals are sold via stock agents or to processors, the stock agent/processor is required to deduct and forward IFS contributions on behalf of the producer. The owner of any animal sold to someone other than a processor or via a stock agent is responsible for paying the required contributions direct to the Industry Funding Scheme.
See deduction and remittance of contributions for more information.
Funding for research and development
Funds carried over from the repealed Cattle Industry Compensation Fund are now held in trust and are managed by the Cattle Industry Management Committee on behalf of the WA cattle industry. The committee agreed to make the some of this fund available to projects that will benefit of the WA cattle industry.
Competitive funding rounds usually take place annually for cattle research and development projects that aim to:
- increase productivity
- increase profitability
- help develop sustainable industry practice
- promote market success
- enhance industry capability
- improve cattle health.
Individuals, groups or organisations can apply for funds to a maximum of $50 000 per year, for periods of up to three years.
For more information, please refer to the Cattle IFS research & development funding section.