The Gene Technology Act 2000 and Regulations 2001 describe a national scheme for the regulation of GMOs in Australia. The legislation aims to make GM techniques safe for researchers, the public and the environment. However, the safety of recombinant DNA work ultimately depends on the individuals conducting it.
The object of this Act is to protect the health and safety of people and to protect the environment, by identifying risks posed by or as a result of gene technology, and by managing those risks through regulating certain dealings with GMOs.
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) is the administrative body under the Act. The OGTR has awarded Curtin status as an Accredited Organisation, enabling us to perform gene technology Dealings, and maintain several OGTR-Certified research facilities.
