The Australian Gene Technology Regulator has commenced a technical review of the Gene Technology Regulations (Regulations), which underpin the regulation of a range of gene technologies and genetically modified organisms.
The review is aiming to ‘provide clarity about whether organisms developed using a range of new technologies are subject to regulation’ and to ‘ensure that new technologies are regulated in a manner commensurate with the risks they pose’. This includes considering whether the scope of technical review includes specific techniques and organisms from regulation, and considering whether previous exemptions to techniques and organisms should be altered based on changes in scientific understanding.
The Regulator has published a decision paper with four options for dealing with new technologies. These include making no amendments to the Regulations, regulating certain new technologies, regulating new technologies based on the underlying processes used and to exclude certain technologies based on their outcomes.
Submissions close on 2 December.
Source: http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/regs-process-1
