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The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) is the overarching agency responsible for gene technology regulation in Australia. The OGTR provides administrative support to the Gene Technology Regulator, who is responsible for enforcing the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act). The objective of the Act is to protect the health and safety of Australians and the Australian environment by identifying risks posed by gene technology, and to manage those risks by regulating ‘dealings’ with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
‘Dealings’ with GMOs regulated by the Act include: research, production, manufacture, import, storage, transport and disposal of GMOs. For dealings involving intentional release of a GMO into the environment, the Regulator prepares a risk assessment and risk management plan (RARMP) in consultation with a wide range of scientific experts and key stakeholders, including the public. The RARMP forms the basis of the Regulator's decision whether or not to issue a licence allowing the environmental release of a GMO.
