The third review
On 27 July, 2017, the Gene Technology Ministers’ Meeting (GTMM) announced the third review of the National Gene Technology Scheme. They were known as the Legislative and Governance Forum on Gene Technology at that time.
The Gene Technology Standing Committee (GTSC), a working group of senior officials from all Australian governments, led the third review of the scheme. A panel of independent experts supported the GTSC.
Read the terms of reference of the review.
Key findings
The third review found that:
- overall, the scheme is working well and has operated successfully in assessing and managing the risks posed by GMOs
- there are opportunities to update and modernise the scheme that would strengthen it and make sure it remains fit for purpose
- the scheme should be flexible enough to deal with future developments and challenges in areas such as
- health
- medicine
- agriculture
- plants and animals.
This review reassures the public that we will continue to identify and manage any risks that gene technology might pose for people and the environment.
Consultation phases
There were 3 consultation phases:
Phase 1 – Written submissions
The GTSC sought input from stakeholders to understand the key issues that needed to be addressed in the review. In this phase the reviewers also looked at previous reports and reviews.
Read the submissions from phase 1.
Phase 2 – Explore options and possible policy solutions
Using the input from phase 1, and supported by an expert advisory panel, the GTSC engaged with stakeholders to:
- explore options
- develop solutions to the issues captured.
Read the consultation paper and submissions.
2017 review – Consultation paper
This consultation paper was part of the phase 2 consultation for the 2017 review of the National Gene Technology Scheme.
Phase 3 – Preliminary report
Consolidating input from the first 2 consultation phases, the GTSC presented findings in a preliminary report. This was reviewed by the Expert Advisory Panel. Stakeholders were invited to submit feedback.
2017 review – Preliminary report
This preliminary report presents the findings to date of the 2017 review of the National Gene Technology Scheme.
Read the submissions from phase 3.
Final report
Consultations on the third review have produced consistent results. Participants emphasised that while the scheme is working well, it would benefit from:
- increasing flexibility in the Act and the Regulations to respond to new information and risks
- increasing transparency to ensure public confidence
- implementing the streamlining proposals outlined in the issues paper.
The third review final report was presented to the Legislative and Governance Forum on Gene Technology (now the Gene Technology Ministers’ Meeting). Ministers discussed the findings with the expert advisory panel before endorsing all 27 review recommendations.
Read the final report.
2017 review – Final report
This final report presents the results of the third review of the National Gene Technology Scheme. It outlines 27 recommendations.
Action plans
Gene technology ministers agreed to implement the recommendations over a 5-year period and developed an action plan which outlined an initial approach. It is reviewed annually to identify priorities.
The action plan shows governments’ commitment to stakeholders to implement recommendations in a coordinated and consultative way, showing:
- indicative timing
- expected sequence of implementation.
The ministers agreed to an updated action plan in 2021. It took into account changes in priorities arising from the 2020 review of COAG councils and ministerial forms.
Read the 2018–2023 action plan and the updated 2020–2023 action plan.
2017 review – Action plan 2018–2023
This action plan outlines the initial approach to implementing recommendations from the 2017 review of the National Gene Technology Scheme.
2017 review – Updated action plan 2020–2023
This updated action plan for implementing recommendations from the 2017 of the National Gene Technology Scheme takes into account changes arising from the 2020 review of COAG councils and ministerial forms.
Implementing third review recommendations
Implementation strategy
The GTSC released an implementation strategy which outlined action plan priorities for 2019.
2017 review – Implementation strategy
This strategy provides a high-level annual strategy for implementing the 2017 review of the National Gene Technology Scheme’s action plan over a 5-year period.
Issues paper
Based on the action plan endorsed by the then Legislative and Governance Forum on Gene Technology (now the Gene Technology Ministers’ Meeting) the GTSC developed an issues paper focusing on:
- matters relating to definitional issues
- risk proportionate regulation
- streamlining of regulation.
The paper outlined discussion about each of these issues and sought feedback on key factors to guide potential change.
Issues paper submissions
Read the submissions.
Consultation to address recommendations
In 2021 we held a public consultation to inform a framework that addresses the recommendations from this review of the scheme. The GTMM considered submissions in October 2018. Three policy options were proposed to implement the recommendations.
The GTMM invited submissions on a consultation regulation impact statement and explanatory paper.
2017 review – Consultation regulation impact statement – Modernising and future-proofing the National Gene Technology Scheme
This consultation regulation impact statement presents 2 options for implementing key recommendations of the 2017 review through a proposed regulatory framework.
2017 review – Consultation regulation impact statement – Explanatory paper
This paper explains the operational implementation details needed for both priority recommendations of the 2017 review of the National Gene Technology Scheme.
Submissions
Read the submissions.
Webinars
The GTSC held webinars to outline proposed options and give an opportunity for questions.
Read a summary of the Q&A session.
2017 review – Consultation regulation impact statement and explanatory paper – Frequently asked questions
This fact sheet contains a selection of questions and answers that address key issues raised during information sessions. The information sessions covered the consultation regulation impact statement and explanatory paper – part of the 2017 review of the National Gene Technology Scheme.
Final decision
The GTMM endorsed a decision regulation impact statement, informed by the submissions received, and chose a preferred option that identifies the regulatory framework with the greatest net benefit.
Changes to legislation needed to implement this regulatory option will go through normal parliamentary processes.
Read the decision regulation impact statement.
2017 review – Decision regulation impact statement
This decision regulation impact statement outlines 3 policy options to implement the recommendations of the third review of the National Gene Technology Scheme.