Consultation Hub

Between 17 March to 28 April we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for DIR-214 licence application (Trial of a genetically modified (GM) vaccine for the prevention of respiratory disease in horses). 

During the 6-week consultation period we received email advice from prescribed Government agencies and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee but did not receive any public feedback.

We heard support for:

• the thoroughness of the RARMP
• the proposed limits and controls listed in the RARMP
• the overall conclusions of the RARMP

We analysed the feedback provided during the public consultation process and took into account submitter suggestions to improve clarity on the methods of decontamination and the origin of the genetic material inserted into the GMO in finalising the RARMP (comments addressed in Appendix A).

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to The University of Queensland for their research work with the GM vaccine for horses on 4 June 2025. More details are available at DIR 214 | Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback will help to ensure the OGTR continues to manage any risks posed by gene technologies to people and the environment.

Between 6 March and 17 April 2025, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for the DIR 212 licence application (field trial of genetically modified canola from The University of Adelaide).

During the 6-week consultation period, we received advice from prescribed Government agencies and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee, and received email submissions from the public.

We heard support for:

• the proposed limits and controls listed in the RARMP
• the uncertainties identified in the RARMP
• the overall conclusions of the RARMP.

Some submissions sought clarification on the effect of overexpression of one of the inserted genes, the potential for pollen flow outside the trial, and on requirements for further data about the GMOs.

We analysed the feedback provided during the public consultation process in finalising the RARMP. The issues raised and how they were addressed can be found in Appendices A and B of the final RARMP.

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to The University of Adelaide for their research work with the GM canola on 21 May 2025. More details, including the final version of the RARMP and the licence, are available at DIR 212 | Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback will help to ensure that any risks posed by gene technology to people and the environment continue to be managed.

Between November and December 2024, we sought your feedback on how Star Ratings are calculated and other proposed improvements.

We received feedback from residential aged care providers, workers, peak bodies, older people and their support networks.

Approximately 271 people participated in the consultation through in-person and virtual sessions, online surveys and written submissions.

We heard support for:

• changing the way the Compliance and Staffing ratings are calculated and displayed –providing more clarity on the quality of care in aged care homes
• the introduction of half stars to the Overall Star Rating – helping people to make more informed choices about residential aged care
• the display and explanation of environmental restraint policies alongside the Quality Measures rating – providing greater transparency around the use of these practices in aged care homes.

We developed a report of findings. You can access the summary report here.

Star Ratings will transition to a re-designed Compliance rating from commencement of the new Aged Care Act on 1 July 2025.

From 1 October 2025, aged care homes need to meet care minute targets to achieve 3 or more stars for their Staffing rating.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback will help to ensure Star Ratings continues to be a valuable resource for all.