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THE HON CHRISTOPHER PYNE MP

Former Minister for Ageing

Key players in Australia’s gene technology regulation meet for the first time in Canberra

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A special meeting in Canberra today saw a diverse range of organisations engaged in gene technology come together to be briefed on initiatives being undertaken by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and explore ways of enhancing interaction.

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14 April 2005
CP016/05

A special meeting in Canberra today saw a diverse range of organisations engaged in gene technology come together to be briefed on initiatives being undertaken by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) and explore ways of enhancing interaction.

Opening the National Institutional Biosafety Committee Forum, Parliamentary Secretary for Health Christopher Pyne said it was the perfect opportunity for all concerned to discuss the issues they face when seeking the range of authorisations that are required to develop and use genetically modified organisms (GMOs) through the OGTR.

These can range from certification of contained laboratory facilities through to licences for the release of GMOs into the environment.

“Today is the first time we have brought so many organisations and Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs) together,” Mr Pyne said.

“This unique forum enables the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, which is a relatively new regulatory agency, to obtain feedback from organisations on their experiences of interfacing with the Office. The forum is the latest example of the OGTR’s extensive consultation with stakeholder groups and evidence that the gene technology regulatory scheme is responding to the government’s desire for openness and transparency.

“It also provides an opportunity for the Regulator and her office to provide briefings and updates to delegates on new initiatives and developments in the implementation of Australia’s comprehensive regulatory system for gene technology.”

Mr Pyne said the Australian Government has invested strongly in the gene technology field by providing more than $105 million to support direct activities under the National Biotechnology Strategy. In addition, the biotechnology sector has also benefited from $300 million worth of Australian Government research, development and commercialisation programs.

Mr Pyne said in the four years since the OGTR was established, much has been achieved:

  • The number of organisations accredited to do gene technology related research has increased from 120 to 147.
  • All the authorisations current at the time of transition from the previous voluntary system have been reviewed, reassessed and, where appropriate, new approvals have been issued.
  • A national training program for IBCs has been developed and conducted.
  • Guidance documents and protocols have been developed and made available on the OGTR web site.
  • Extensive consultation had been undertaken as part of a review of all the facility certification guidelines and new versions are being progressively released.
“During this time, the Gene Technology Regulator has ensured that the development and use of GMOs is safe for both human health and the environment,” Mr Pyne said.

“At the same time, recognising that this technologically complex area is difficult for non-scientists to understand easily, she has focussed on providing plain English information on applications. In addition, over the past year the OGTR has been reviewing its Risk Analysis Framework to better define and explain how risks that may arise from gene technology are identified, assessed and managed.

“Today, I am delighted to announce copies of the revised Risk Analysis Framework are now available.

“This excellent document, developed by the OGTR in consultation with a wide range of national and international expert authorities and agencies, as well as seeking input from the public, is the first in the world to so comprehensively explain how risk analysis can be applied to gene technology.”

For a copy of the Risk Analysis Framework go to:

http://www.ogtr.gov.au/pdf/public/raffinal2.1.pdf

For more information on the OGTR, visit: www.ogtr.gov.au

Media contact: Adam Howard, Office of Christopher Pyne 0400 414 833


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