Resources

GM wheat can only be grown with the approval of the Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator), who carries out a science-based risk assessment before the crop is approved for release.

Gene technology is widely used in Australia: in agriculture, in research, in health and medicine, in education, and in industry.

Anyone who wants to import or use a genetically modified organism (GMO)needs permission. That includes farmers, importers, schools, researchers, and members of the public.

If you are importing genetically modified grain or you are importing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on behalf of researchers, then you have specific obligations under the Gene Technology Act 2000.

Commercially available kits are used in Australian schools to help science students learn about genetics.

There is a growing community of individuals in Australia who are conducting do-it-yourself biology which is also sometimes known as biohacking or community science.

Five genetically modified (GM) crops have been approved for cultivation in Australia: cotton, canola, Indian mustard, banana and safflower. GM flowers have also been approved for growing or importing into Australia. Other crops are undergoing field trials.

GM canola can only be grown with the approval of the Gene Technology Regulator, who carries out a science-based risk analyses before a GM crop is approved for release. Several GM canola varieties have been approved for commercial release in Australia.

The Regulator maintains oversight of commercially grown GM cotton, to ensure it remains safe.

This issue focuses on 50 years since The Asilomar Conference.

Tables of all current commercially released GM plants in Australia and their OECD unique identifiers.

The report describes the roles and responsibilities of the Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) and the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) during 2024-25.

This application form is for licences to conduct human clinical trials of GMOs.

This application form is for dealings (activities) involving limited and controlled release of genetically modified (GM) plants into the environment.

This application form is for dealings (activities) involving the release of GM plants into the environment that would not qualify as a limited and controlled release.

Use this form for applications for a licence for dealings (activities) with a non-plant GMO involving intentional release (DIR) of the GMO into the environment under the Gene Technology Act 2000.

Use this form to apply for a licence for importation and processing (devitalisation) of bulk grain containing GMOs that are authorised for cultivation or food or feed use in the country of origin.

This document provides guidance to applicants on what documents can be provided to support their licence applications or variations

There has been confusion regarding the baits used in the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. The following statement addresses this confusion.

This Communiqué covers matters considered at the 46th videoconference of the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee (25 August 2025).

This document provides guidance on the information required in the Application to vary a DNIR licence form for a range of common variation categories.

Use this form to apply for a variation or surrender of a licence for dealings not involving intentional release (DNIR) of a GMO into the environment under the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act).

Use this form to apply for a variation or surrender of a licence for dealings involving intentional release (DIR) of a GMO into the environment under the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act).