Proposed amendments to the Gene Technology Act 2000

Closed 8 Nov 2024

Opened 13 Sep 2024

Contact

(02) 6289 2033

gene.technology.implementation@health.gov.au

Overview

The Third Review (Review) of the National Gene Technology Scheme (Scheme) found that overall, the Scheme is working well and has operated successfully in assessing and managing the risks posed by genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The Review also identified opportunities to update and modernise the Scheme that would strengthen it and make sure it remains fit for purpose.

The proposed amendments to Gene Technology Act 2000 (the GT Act) aim to ensure the Scheme maintains flexibility to deal with future developments and challenges. They are the first major changes made to the GT Act since it was implemented.

Consultation with stakeholders is important in the development of the proposed amendments to the GT Act. This consultation provides an opportunity for all impacted industry, regulated entities, academic institutions, researchers, and interested members of the public to consider the proposed amendments to the legislation and how they might impact them.

Consultation responses should be provided via the survey in the consultation hub. Where possible, reasoning and supporting information should be included. Providing consultation responses via the survey in the consultation hub will ensure that input can be clearly considered against the relevant proposed amendments.

It is recommended that the questions in this consultation are considered in conjunction with the Exposure Draft of the Gene Technology Amendment Bill 2024 (the draft Bill) and the Consultation Paper. A future law compilation, that shows how the GT Act would read if amended by the Bill, is available below.

A series of short, targeted information sheets have also been included to support understanding of some of the key sections within the proposed draft Bill. These documents can be downloaded below.

Please note that the draft Bill will require further amendment following this consultation to include the areas that have been outlined in the Consultation Paper.

You do not have to provide a response to all questions - only those that you wish to provide relevant feedback for.

What happens next

Thank you to all stakeholders who provided their views on the draft Gene Technology Amendment Bill 2024 (the Amendment Bill).

Consultation on the Amendment Bill has now closed. We would like to thank everyone who has provided valuable feedback.

Consultation on the Amendment Bill was open between 13 September 2024 to 8 November 2024.  Once all submissions have been considered, the feedback will help inform any changes before being considered by gene technology ministers prior to introduced into the Commonwealth Parliament.

Stay up to date with developments on these important legislative reforms by subscribing to the National Gene Technology Scheme mailing list.

Events

  • Webinar information session on proposed amendments to the Gene Technology Act 2000

    From 25 Sep 2024 at 12:30 to 25 Sep 2024 at 13:30

    The Third Review of the National Gene Technology Scheme found that the Scheme is working well overall and has operated successfully in assessing and managing the risks posed by genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The Review also identified opportunities to update and modernise the Scheme that would strengthen it and make sure it remains fit for purpose.

    The proposed amendments to Gene Technology Act 2000 (the GT Act) aim to ensure the Scheme maintains flexibility to deal with future developments and challenges. The proposed amendments are the first major changes made to the GT Act since it was first implemented.

    Proposed amendments to the GT Act have been released for public consultation through an exposure draft of the Gene Technology Amendment Bill 2024. This webinar is an opportunity for all interested members of the public to learn about the proposed changes and ask questions that may assist with a submission.

    Register here: https://healthevents-au.webex.com/weblink/register/r40659ea42cc052296679edb136bef8a3

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

Audiences

  • Academics
  • Non-government organisations
  • State government agencies
  • Commonwealth agencies
  • Local governments
  • General public
  • Community groups
  • Businesses
  • Biogicals

Interests

  • Health technology
  • Legislation
  • Regulatory policy
  • Food standards
  • Health and Medical Research