Australian regulation of gene technology : impacts on biodiversity

Gene technology has the potential to improve, as well as impair, all facets of life including biodiversity. To avoid the latter and facilitate the former, gene technology must be effectively and efficiently regulated. The Commonwealth of Australia has attempted to do this by enacting the Gene Technology Act 2000 (Cth), which came into force on 21 June 2001. Before providing a critique of this Act, this paper will discuss the possible impacts of gene technology on biodiversity. A discussion of the Gene Technology Act’s regulatory regime, object, incorporation of the precautionary principle, relationship with the States, regulatory bodies, licensing system and review provisions will then be provided. This discussion will outline and identify the shortcomings of the aforementioned facets of the Gene Technology Act. Suggestions as to how the Gene Technology Act can better protect and conserve biodiversity, and thereby be improved, will also be proposed.15 page(s