AusBiotech responds to Qld review of its Gene Technology Act

Amid 48 submissions, AusBiotech responded to the Queensland ‘Review of the Gene Technology Act 2001 (Qld)’, seeking support for a nationally consistent scheme for gene technology regulation.

AusBiotech supports Recommendation 3 from the Commonwealth review, which proposes that all jurisdictions follow the example of New South Wales and the Northern Territory by automatically adopting changes to gene technology regulation by reference to the Commonwealth legislation, thereby achieving further administrative and efficiency gains.

Currently, Queensland has retained its capacity to exercise regulatory influence over its state agencies and universities through the Queensland Act, which corresponds with, but is not fully compliant with, the Commonwealth legislation. Any delay in adhering to the Commonwealth legislation causes “a period of inconsistency during which existing state legislation continues to operate until amendments can be passed by the respective legislatures”.

Ensuring all jurisdictions are in ‘lock-step’ with the Commonwealth legislation will provide predictability for the industry to commercialise GMOs and eliminate the significant disincentive for the investment and development of gene-based technology in Australia.

AusBiotech recommended in its submission that the Queensland Government renew its Act to ensure it reflects completely the Commonwealth Act, as swiftly as possible, and reconfirm its commitment to the Commonwealth, thereby providing support for a nationally consistent scheme for gene technology regulation. This will assist in providing a consistent path to market for federally approved GMO traits.

More information on the review can be found at https://www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/1451/view.html.