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Gene Technology Ministerial Council (GTMC) - Joint Communique - 4 May 2007

State, Territory and Australian Government representatives responsible for gene technology met in Brisbane for a meeting of the Gene Technology Ministerial Council (GTMC).

Printable Version: Gene Technology Ministerial Council (GTMC) - Joint Communique - 4 May 2007 (PDF 28 KB)

The 6th meeting of the Gene Technology Ministerial Council (GTMC) was held in Brisbane today. The State, Territory and Australian Government Ministers responsible for overseeing the regulatory system for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) endorsed arrangements for implementing their response to the statutory review of the Gene Technology Act 2000, and intergovernmental agreement commissioned by the GTMC in 2005-06. The Review concluded that Australia’s gene technology regulatory system was working well, suggesting changes to further improve the operation of the regulatory scheme at the margin. Ministers agreed their response to the Review at their last meeting on 27 October 2006.

The meeting was chaired by the Hon Ian Macdonald, NSW State Minister for Primary Industries, Energy, Mineral Resources and State Development, and issues discussed included:

Emergency Response Guidelines

GTMC endorsed guidelines, noting Queensland’s support is subject to Cabinet endorsement, that set out the procedure for making an emergency dealing determination that expedites the approval process for dealing with a GMO in an emergency. The Guidelines make clear that the Minister may issue an emergency dealing determination only after receiving advice from the Chief Medical Officer, the Chief Veterinary Officer and or the Chief Plant Officer that an emergency exists. The Guidelines detail the strong safeguards and consultation process that will be undertaken before authorising the use of a GMO in an emergency.

Nationally consistent scheme

The GTMC endorsed providing a revised Gene Technology Agreement to State and Territory leaders and the Prime Minister at the next Council of Australian Governments meeting, noting Queensland’s support is subject to Cabinet endorsement. This Agreement reconfirms the commitment of State, Territory and Australian Governments to the nationally consistent scheme for gene technology regulation.

Reducing the regulatory burden of low risk dealings

The GTMC also approved consequential changes to the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 arising from the response to the Review, noting Queensland’s support is subject to Cabinet endorsement. The Gene Technology Amendment Regulations 2007 are designed to reduce the timeframe for the Gene Technology Regulator to assess applications for field trials to conduct research under limited and controlled conditions. The Amendment Regulations will also remove legislative requirements on exempt dealings. This will help researchers to progress the development of GMOs that could lead to medical, agricultural or environmental benefits, while protecting the health and safety of people and the environment.

Media contact: Kay McNiece, 0412 132 585