Who currently regulates biotechnology in Australia?
Biotechnology in Australia is currently regulated by a number of different regulatory bodies depending on the intended use of the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) or Genetically Modified (GM) product. These regulators include: • Australian and New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) – regulating food standards and labelling; • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – regulating therapeutic goods and human gene therapy; • National Registration Authority (NRA) – regulating agricultural and veterinary chemicals; • National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) – regulating industrial chemicals; • Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) – regulating import and exports of GM products and GMOs; and • National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) – overseeing research involving human gene therapy. The Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee (GMAC) also provides advice to these agencies on the safety and environmental implications of GMOs.
