Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

I am very pleased today to have opportunity to sum up debate on the Gene Technology Amendment Bill 2015. As we have discussed, this bill amends the Gene Technology Act 2000 to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the National Regulatory Scheme for Genetically Modified Organisms. The amendments do not significantly change the framework or policy settings of the act. These amendments were recommended by an independent review of the regulatory scheme, which concluded that the gene technology regulatory system is working well and that a number of changes would improve the operation of the scheme. The amendments decrease regulatory burden for regulated organisations and help ensure that regulatory burden remains commensurate with risk in the future.

Australia's gene technology regulatory scheme is recognised throughout the world for its rigorous, science-based risk assessments and open and transparent approach. The scheme also provides an efficient and effective system for the application of gene technology. These amendments maintain the scheme to ensure these high standards will continue in future.

I thank senators for their contributions to debate on this bill and I thank the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee for their consideration of this legislation. I would also like to thank the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator and the Department of Health for their work on preparing this legislation.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.