BIOTECH LEGISLATION - EXPLICIT RECOGNITION OF THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE IN THE GENE TECHNOLOGY ACT 2000

The Gene Technology Act 2000 (Commonwealth) ("the Act") was enacted on 21 December 2000. It sets up a regulatory regime in relation to dealings with genetically modified organisms in Australia, which will come into force on 22 June 2001. Broadly speaking, the Act prohibits dealings with genetically modified organisms unless a licence to conduct the dealing has been granted by the Gene Technology Regulator ("the Regulator") or the dealing is specifically permitted by the Act or by regulations made under the Act..