About the consultation
Consultation on the draft Gene Technology Amendment Bill 2024 was open from 13 September 2024 to 8 November 2024. We will consider all submissions and use the feedback to inform any changes to the draft Bill. Once finalised, the draft Bill will be presented to the Gene Technology Ministers' Meeting (GTMM) for approval before introduction into the Commonwealth Parliament, as required by the intergovernmental Gene Technology Agreement 2001.
The proposed amendments to Gene Technology Act 2000 aim to ensure the National Gene Technology Scheme maintains flexibility to deal with future developments and challenges. These are the first major changes made to the Act since it was implemented more than 20 years ago.
Thank you to all stakeholders who provided their views on the draft amendment Bill.
Next Steps
The following steps are still required to finalise the legislative reforms:
Amendment Bill
- Further drafting of the Amendment Bill following public consultation
- Gene Technology Standing Committee and GTMM endorsement of the final Amendment Bill for introduction into the Commonwealth Parliament
- Introduction of the Amendment Bill into the Commonwealth Parliament (subject to Government priority and parliamentary processes)
Amendment regulations
- Consultation on policy and implementation approach for the Amendment Regulations
- Drafting of the Amendment Regulations with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel following consultation
- Finalisation of the Amendment Regulations for the Federal Executive Council.
Statutory rules
- Statutory rules to be made by the Gene Technology Regulator in accordance with the amended legislation.
Timing of these steps is subject to approvals by the GTMM and Commonwealth Parliamentary processes.
More information
Learn more about Australia’s gene technology legislation.