Filter results
You can narrow down the results using the filters
Resource type
Communique of GTTAC meeting of 15 August 2022
This Communiqué covers matters considered at the 31st videoconference of the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee (15 August 2022).
Communique of GTECCC meeting of 24 June 2022
This Communique covers matters considered at the 16th meeting of the Gene Technology Ethics and Community Consultative Committee (24 June 2022).
Quarterly activities report for January - March 2022
Details of OGTR monitoring and compliance activities during the quarter ended 31 March 2022.
Quarterly activities report for October – December 2021
Details of OGTR monitoring and compliance activities during the quarter ended 31 December 2021
Communique of GTTAC meeting of 28 April 2022
This Communiqué covers matters considered at the 30th videoconference of the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee (28 April 2022).
OGTR Newsletter Issue 6
This issue provides an update on the OGTR office.
Communique of GTTAC meeting of 28 February 2022
This Communiqué covers matters considered at the 29th videoconference of the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee (28 February 2022).
Communique of GTTAC meeting of 13 December 2021
This Communiqué covers matters considered at the 28th videoconference of the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee (13 December 2021).
Biology documents
These documents are prepared to inform the Gene Technology Regulator's Risk assessment and Risk Management Plans in response to licence applications for clinical trials, field trials or release of genetically modified organisms into the environment.
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.
Community attitudes to gene technology reports
These surveys help gauge the state of public awareness, identify knowledge gaps and track changes in awareness and attitudes over time.
Community attitudes 2021 report
The overall finding of the 2021 survey is that while there have not been massive shifts since 2019, and despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic experience, there is stronger support for genetic modification generally at 39% of high support in 2021, up from 33% in 2019.
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.
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.
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.
GMOs in Schools
Commercially available kits are used in Australian schools to help science students learn about genetics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Controlling genetically modified (GM) canola on roadsides
This fact sheet provides information for the control of unwanted herbicide-tolerant GM canola for example along roadsides.
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.
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.