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The Biology of Hordeum vulgare L. (barley)
This document provides baseline information about the parent organism in risk assessments of genetically modified H. vulgare that may be released into the Australian environment.
Quarterly activities report for July – September 2021
Details of OGTR monitoring and compliance activities during the quarter ended 30 September 2021.
Quarterly activities reports
These reports detail the monitoring and compliance activities by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) for each quarter.
How we regulate the intentional releases of GM crops and other GMOs into the environment
When gene technology is used to create a genetically modified (GM) plant, animal or other living thing (organism), the genetically modified organism (GMO), for example GM canola, is regulated by the Gene Technology Regulator to protect people and the environment.
Who needs to apply to import or use (deal with) a GMO?
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.
Handling an unintentional presence of genetically modified (GM) crops
The probability of unapproved genetically modified organisms gaining entry to Australia is low. But it is possible that unapproved GM crops could be present as trace amounts in conventional imports, leading to the unintended presence of unapproved GMOs in Australia.
How are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) regulated in Australia
The import and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Australia is regulated through a nationally consistent legal scheme, including the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act), the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 and corresponding state laws.
Ongoing monitoring of the safety of GM crops in Australia
In Australia, farmers can only grow a genetically modified (GM) crop if the crop has been approved by the Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator). You can read about all commercial GM crops that are authorised in Australia in the GMO Record.
Public participation in assessing gene technology
Whether you are a member of the public or a community organisation, the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (the OGTR) invites your involvement.
Biohacking and community science
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.
Genetically modified (GM) Petunia disposal methods
The Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) has become aware that unauthorised genetically modified (GM) petunias have entered the Australian and international markets.
Information for importers of grain and laboratory research supplies
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.
Genetically modified (GM) Petunias in Australia
The Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) has become aware that unauthorised genetically modified (GM) petunias have entered the Australian and international markets.
Genetically modified organisms in Australia
Gene technology is widely used in Australia: in agriculture, in research, in health and medicine, in education, and in industry.
Genetically Modified (GM) Carnations in Australia
GM carnations were the first GM flowers in the world to be commercialised. They have been on the market since the mid-90s.
Genetically modified (GM) crops in Australia
Three genetically modified (GM) crops are grown in Australia: cotton, canola and safflower. GM carnations have also been approved for growing or importing into Australia. Other crops are undergoing field trials.
GMOs in Schools
Commercially available kits are used in Australian schools to help science students learn about genetics.
Don't import glowing fish unless you have authorisation
Glowing or fluorescent fish such as GloFish® are genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and it is illegal to import them into Australia for personal or commercial use without an authorisation from the Regulator.
Reporting misuse of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
If you have concerns that someone is using GMOs without authorisation, or misusing GMOs of any kind, please contact us. Whether it’s fish, crops, plants, bacteria etc we want to know.
Controlling genetically modified (GM) canola on roadsides
This fact sheet provides information for the control of unwanted herbicidetolerant GM canola for example along roadsides.
Overview of the status of organisms modified using gene editing and other new technologies
This overview is to assist regulated organisations to understand which gene editing and RNA interference techniques result in GMOs.
Information for Institutional Biosafety Committees
Useful resources for IBCs covering records of assessment, classification of NLRDs and contained dealings.
Operations of the Gene Technology Regulator Annual Report 2020-21
The report describes the roles and responsibilities of the Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator) and the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) during 2020-21.
Annual reports on the Operations of the Gene Technology Regulator
The Gene Technology Act 2000 requires Gene Technology Regulator to report annually on their operations. The reports are produced for the Minister as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year.
Genetically modified (GM) canola in Australia
GM canola 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.