About the OGTR

When gene technology is used to create a GMO, we regulate working with that organism. Learn about GMOs, the GMO Record and GMO dealings.

The Gene Technology Regulator has specific responsibility to protect the health and safety of people, and to protect the environment from any risks posed by gene technology. Find out more about the Regulator’s role and functions.

Australia’s gene technology regulatory scheme is a nationally consistent scheme comprising of Commonwealth, and state and territory legislation. Learn more about the scheme and how it is supported by sound science and rigorous risk analysis.

Our service charter details our commitment to providing quality services to the public and users of Australia’s scheme for gene regulation. It also outlines what to do when we do not meet the charter.

The Gene Technology Regulator sits at the heart of a comprehensive regulatory system. Find out more about who oversees the work of the Regulator, who advises the Regulator, who the Regulator consults, and how the states and territories support the system.

In 2021 we celebrated our 20th anniversary. Community attitudes to genetically modified organisms are slowly changing. Research and science are developing rapidly. Find out more about how we respond to this evolving landscape.

Our staff contribute to a range of academic works in peer-reviewed journals and book sections. Here are the various publications, and the OGTR staff who were involved.

The national legislative scheme for gene technology comprises the Gene Technology Act 2000, the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 and corresponding State and Territory legislation.

Background to the review processes which have led to changes to Australia’s gene technology legislation.

Transparency is a feature of the decision-making by the Regulator. This includes extensive consultation on all licences for intentional release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment, and on the revision of guidelines and development of amended regulations. Find out how you can contribute.

The Gene Technology Regulator publishes a range of information to meet legislative requirements. View the OGTR annual reports, learn more about freedom of information requests and find out how we implement the Information Publication Scheme.

The disclosure log details information released by the Gene Technology Regulator under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 that is available for public access.

Under the Information Publication Scheme (IPS), we are required to publish a broad range of information, making it available for downloading where possible. The IPS also requires us to publish an Agency Plan explaining how we intend to implement the IPS.

Our committees provide advice to the Gene Technology Regulator and the Gene Technology Ministers’ Meeting.

If you have a question or would like to give us feedback, you can get in touch with us by email, phone, mail or online form. You can also subscribe to updates.