Inquiry into primary producer access to gene technology
Media Releases

House Committee Supports Gene Technology

Media Advice: 19 June 2000

A House of Representatives Committee has recommended the continued use of gene technology, but only with stringent regulation, constant and cautious monitoring and public reporting.

The Primary Industries and Regional Services Committee today released its report on gene technology into agriculture. The report, Work in Progress: Proceed with Caution. Primary Producer Access to Gene Technology, is the culmination of 15 months research and investigation by the House Committee.

The House Committee identified the risks with genetically modified organisms, however it supported GMOs as long as an independent regulatory process is adopted.

"It is vital and critical that any of the risks associated with GMO are avoided," Fran Bailey, the House Committee Chair, said. "And, they can be avoided if we have an independent regulator."

The House Committee, in its report, criticises the Interim Office of the Gene Technology Regulator over its handling of an incident with genetically modified crops in Mt Gambier.

"This incident demonstrates the need for an independent regulator operating in a transparent and rigorous manner," Fran Bailey said.

"It is vital that the regulatory system must be efficient, rigorous, open to public scrutiny, encourage public involvement, and be independent of pressure from interest groups.

"Unless the Regulator can demonstrate this, the public will not be confident that their health and the environment are being properly protected."

In addition to establishing a more effective regulator, the House Committee also recommends that the Federal Government should increase its levels of research funding into GMOs; ensure that adequate intellectual property protection is available; and assist organisations to be more commercially viable with GM products.

In total, the House Primary Industries and Regional Services Committee has made 37 recommendations in its report into Primary Producer Access to Gene Technology. These focus on:

• Benefits and risks of gene technology in agriculture,
• Understanding genetically modified organisms,
• Research, development and commercialisation,
• Intellectual property, and Regulation.

For all media comments contact Fran Bailey, House Committee Chair, on 0262774280
or 0419 583 647.

For background information on the inquiry, contact the Committee Secretariat on 026277 4500.

For all other media enquiries contact the House of Representatives Media Adviser, Sally Webster,
(02) 6277 2063, 0401 143 724 or Aff.Reps@aph.gov.au

19 June 2000

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