Gene tech bill goes to ACT assembly

A Bill dealing with the use of gene technologies and their products in the ACT has been tabled in the Legislative Assembly. The Gene Technology Bill 2000, was tabled by Chief Minister Jon Stanhope.

The Bill aims to produce a regulatory framework that recognises the potential dangers inherent to genetically modified organisms and advocates a safety-first approach to their use, provides an efficient system for the application of gene technologies, and operates alongside existing commonwealth and state regulatory schemes.

Mr Stanhope said it was envisioned that responsibility for enforcement and investigation under the Bill would be provided to the commonwealth gene technology regulator.

The Bill is designed to take over from the Federal Gene Technology Act 2000, which will be wound back as the states and territories introduce their own legislation.

"Its objective is to protect the health and safety of the community and environment by identifying potential risks posed by gene technology," Mr Stanhope said.