Review of legislation
Background on the review processes which have led to changes to gene technology legislation
The statutory review of the Gene Technology Act
In 2005-06 the independent statutory review of the Gene Technology Act 2000 and the Intergovernmental Gene Technology Agreement 2001 was conducted (the Statutory Review). The Statutory Review found that the Act and the national regulatory scheme had worked well in the five years following introduction, and that no major changes were required. However, it suggested a number of minor changes, aimed at improving the operation of the Act at the margin.The Gene Technology Amendment Act 2007 and the Gene Technology Amendment Regulations 2007 implement the changes as agreed in the State, Territory and Australian Governments' Response to the recommendations of the Statutory Review. These amendments commence on 1 July 2007, amending the Gene Technology Act 2000 and the Gene Technology Regulations 2001, respectively. Changes to various guidelines issued by the Regulator have also resulted from implementation of the agreed recommendations.
More information related to the independent Statutory Review is available from the Gene Technology Ministerial Council web site.
These amendments are in addition to, and do not repeal, the outcomes of the Gene Technology Regulator's review of the Regulations which came into effect on 31 March (described below).
Links to current legislation, guidelines and supporting information are provided on the OGTR Regulatory Changes web page.Top of page
The Regulator's review of the Gene Technology Regulations
This review was initiated by the Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) in response to suggestions from regulated organisations, as well as the operational experience of the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, regarding a number of provisions that might be improved.This review led to the Gene Technology Amendment Regulations 2006, which commenced on 31 March 2007, amending the Gene Technology Regulations 2001.
They clarify areas of confusion and provide greater flexibility in relation to information requirements for notifications and licence applications. The list of host/vector systems permitted for exempt dealings has been expanded. Certain types of contained dealings have also been reclassified based on current understanding of the associated risks.
Further amendments to the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 have since been made, as a result of the Statutory Review of the Act, as described above.
Links to current legislation, guidelines and supporting information are provided on the OGTR Regulatory Changes web page.Top of page