Science & Biotechnology Law & Lawyers

A general description of biotechnology is using living things to create products or to do tasks for human beings.

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Biotechnology is the practice of using plants, animals and micro-organisms such as bacteria, as well as biological processes - such as the ripening of fruit or the bacteria that break down compost - to some benefit.

For example, biotechnology is used in industry, medicine and agriculture to produce foods, medicines, test for diseases and remove waste.

It can also be used to solve problems and conduct research. Over time, biotechnology has formed the basis of learning about people and diseases. Biotechnology has also underpinned the development of treatments.

Biotechnology is the use of plants, animals and micro-organisms to create new products or processes. It includes using bacteria or enzymes to make industrial processes work more efficiently and create less pollution, or to clean up the environment.

Gene Technology

One kind of biotechnology is gene technology, sometimes called 'genetic engineering' or 'genetic modification', where the genetic material of living things is deliberately altered to enhance or remove a particular trait and allow the organism to perform new functions. Genes within a species can be modified, or genes can be moved from one species to another. In Australia, for example, gene technology has been used to make cotton plants resistant to pests without the use of chemicals, and to make a blue carnation for the floral industry.

While genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, often have demonstrated environmental benefits, such as significant reductions in pesticide use, they may also present potential risks to the environment.

Gene Technology Regulator

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator has been established within the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing to provide administrative support to the Gene Technology Regulator in the performance of his functions under the Gene Technology Act 2000.

The Gene Technology Act 2000, which came into force on 21 June 2001, introduces a national scheme for the regulation of genetically modified organisms in Australia, in order to protect the health and safety of Australians and the Australian environment by identifying risks posed by or as a result of gene technology, and by managing those risks through regulating certain dealings with genetically modified organisms.

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National Regulatory Scheme for Genetically Modified Organisms

The nationally consistent legislative scheme for gene technology is comprised of the Commonwealth Gene Technology Act 2000 and Gene Technology Regulations 2001, and corresponding State and Territory legislation.

The legislation was developed in consultation with all Australian jurisdictions and the scheme is supported by the inter-governmental Gene Technology Agreement 2001 between the Australian Government and each State and Territory.

The Commonwealth Gene Technology legislation took effect on 21 June 2001 and consists of the following:

• The Gene Technology Act 2000 (compilation incorporating amendments up to Act No. 58 of 2011)
• The Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (compilation incorporating amendments up to SLI 2011 No. 73)
• The Gene Technology (Consequential Amendments) Act 2000
• The Gene Technology (Licence Charges) Act 2000
• The Commonwealth legislation incorporates the following amendments:
• Gene Technology Amendment Act 2007 (commencement 1 July 2007)
• Gene Technology Amendment Regulations 2011 (commencement 1 September 2011)
• Gene Technology Amendment Regulations 2009 (commencement 2 May 2009)
• Gene Technology Amendment Regulations 2007 (commencement 1 July 2007)
• Gene Technology Amendment Regulations 2006 (commencement 31 March 2007)

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• Corresponding State Laws include:
• Gene Technology Act 2001 - Victoria
• Gene Technology Regulations 2001 - Victoria
• Gene Technology Act 2001 - South Australia
• Gene Technology Regulations 2002 - South Australia
• Gene Technology Act 2001 - Queensland
• Gene Technology Regulation 2002 - Queensland
• Gene Technology Act 2003 - Australian Capital Territory
• Gene Technology Regulation 2004 - Australian Capital Territory
• Gene Technology (New South Wales) Act 2003 - New South Wales
• Gene Technology Act 2004 - Northern Territory

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