In Australia, it is illegal to knowingly deal with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) without the appropriate GMO licensing. The Gene Technology Regulator issues this licence in accordance with the Gene Technology Act 2000. The office of the Gene Technology Regulator forms part of the Federal Government Health and Ageing Portfolio, the Minister for which is the Hon Nicola Roxon MP. 

The issuing of licences involves an extensive scientific process to determine potential risks to humans and the environment. It is necessary for a dealing with a GMO to conform to policy principles issued by Gene Technology Ministerial Council concerning social, cultural, ethical and other non-scientific matters. The Regulator must not issue a licence for a dealing with a GMO unless satisfied that any risks are able to be effectively managed.

The website of the Gene Technology Regulator provides information on the application and assessment process for GMO licencing.

The GMO record is a publicly available record of all GMO dealings that have been approved or communicated to the Gene Technology Regulator. This record is designed to provide the general public with easily accessible information about GMOs and GM product dealings in Australia.

Field Trials

Field Trials are subject to the same conditions as the commercial sector when dealing with GMOs. Field Trials cannot proceed without the approval of the Gene Technology Regulator, who will provide a licence for a certain time period in which the trial can proceed. The Regulator is involved in monitoring the progress of these field trials, and details of the field trial will appear on the GMO record for the information of the general public.

Links

• Home page of the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
• Application and Assessment Process for GMO Licencing. Also includes information on what a GMO licence is, and the types of licencing available.