Australian Regulatory Organisations
The following are some of the regulatory bodies that you may need to contact in order to confirm that your research conforms to Australian law. Remember, better safe than sorry – and the folks there are often really excited to see everyday Australians pursuing their bright ideas!
- OGTR – Office of Gene Technology Regulator
- The OGTR is an independent statutory office holder responsible for administering the Gene Technology Act 2000 and corresponding state and territory laws.
- Website: http://www.ogtr.gov.au/
- TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration
- The TGA is responsible for regulating the supply, import, export, manufacturing and advertising of therapeutic goods.
- Website: https://www.tga.gov.au/
- Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
- The Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources develops and implements policies and programmes to ensure Australia’s agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries remain competitive, profitable and sustainable, and supports the sustainable and productive management and use of rivers and water resources.
- Website: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/
- International Institutions
Exempt Organisms
Exempt dealings are a category of dealings with Genetic Modified Organisms (GMOs) that have been assessed over time as posing a very low risk (i.e. contained research involving very well understood organisms and processes for creating and studying GMOs). The only legislative requirement for exempt dealings is that they must not involve an intentional release of a GMO into the environment.