Gene Technology Amendment Bill

_{14 February, 2008}

Second Reading

Resumed from p. 257, on motion of Ms Boyle—
That the bill be now read a second time.

Ms JARRATT (Whitsunday—ALP) (2.40 pm): I rise to speak on the Gene Technology
Amendment Bill 2007 and in doing so give it my support. I have been very interested to hear the
speeches during this debate. It has been quite heartening to note that a lot of members in this chamber
have given some considered thought to this issue. It is not an easy issue. I am sure it will remain
contentious for some time.

The legislative framework for the regulation of gene technology in Australia includes the Gene
Technology Act 2000 at the Commonwealth level and in Queensland the Gene Technology Act 2001
that extends the reach of the regulatory system to include state agencies and universities. The
regulatory scheme is designed to protect the health and safety of people and the environment from any
risks that may be posed by genetically modified organisms.

The majority of amendments in this bill reflect changes made to the Commonwealth legislation,
most of which commenced on 1 July 2007 following a review in 2005-06 of the Commonwealth’s Gene
Technology Act 2000 and the Gene Technology Agreement 2001. The review was conducted by an
independent panel and it considered almost 300 submissions from members of the public, industry and
other stakeholders.

A period of national consultation followed during which public forums were held at numerous
locations around Australia. This consultation process allowed the review panel to hear firsthand a range
of views from interested parties including state and territory governments, industry, researchers, farm
groups, non-government organisations and consumers.

The review concluded that the Australian gene technology regulatory system is one of the most
rigorous, transparent and accessible in the world and that no major changes were required. However, a
number of minor changes were suggested aimed at improving the operation of the act. The resultant
changes made to the Commonwealth legislation and reflected here in this bill refine the legislation and
ensure that the regulatory burden is commensurate to risk, introduce provisions to deal with unexpected
situations and ensure the smooth operation of the scheme. The strong scientific, case-by-case
assessment framework of the act will be maintained.

I would like now to address some of the potential benefits conferred by this bill in a practical
sense as well as mention some of the merits of gene technology more generally. The amended
Commonwealth legislation, which this bill reflects, introduced guidelines for the types of emergencies
that might warrant emergency action using a genetically modified organism. These situations include:
threat from an outbreak of a plant, animal or human disease; threat from a particular animal or plant
such as a pest or alien invasive species; or threat from an industrial spillage.

For example, if the threat of extreme environmental damage from a major oil spill was imminent
the Commonwealth minister, after consultation with the states and territories, could hypothetically issue
an emergency dealing determination for the release of a genetically modified organism which breaks
down oil but otherwise has no environmental impact. Gene technology provides the opportunity to
create micro-organisms capable of cleaning up environments contaminated by pollutants such as
nuclear waste, oil, solvents and heavy metals. Allowing the use of scientific advancements in a state of
emergency as outlined in this bill could have enormous implications in helping us protect our pristine
environments.

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications recently published a
report showing that, despite a limited range of traits available for a small number of crops in the last
decade, important positive socioeconomic and environmental benefits have been realised from genetic
modification. Worldwide gene technology has resulted in improved productivity and profitability for about
8.5 million adopting farmers who have used it in over 87 million hectares in 2005.

The positive socioeconomic and environmental contributions were seen in developed as well as
developing countries. In fact, 53 per cent of the total $27 billion farm income benefit gained from using
genetically modified crops was for developed countries such as the United States and Canada. This
financial benefit has arisen from enhanced productivity and efficiency gains. Might I say, in a world
where we are contemplating the impact of global warming these sorts of figures are very salient indeed.

The environmental gains in using this technology have also been substantial. There has been a
15.3 per cent net reduction in the environmental impact on the cropping area devoted to genetically
modified crops since 1996. The total volume of herbicides and pesticides applied to crops has fallen by
seven per cent which means a reduction of 22.43 million tonnes of these non-desirable products.
There have also been positive impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. There is a reduction in fuel
usage from less frequent herbicide or insecticide applications and a reduction in energy use and soil
cultivation. Cumulatively since 1996 the permanent carbon dioxide savings from reduced fuel
consumption since the introduction of genetically modified crops are equal to over two million cars being
taken off the road for one year. That is a significant saving when we are talking about the impacts of
global warming.

Farmers using herbicide tolerant crops can adapt reduced-tillage or no-tillage farming methods as
they can effectively control competing weeds. Reduced tillage enhances the soil quality and reduces
soil erosion. In turn, more carbon remains in the soil leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Gene technology is also providing many benefits in the field of health and medicine. For example,
the technology is resulting in the production of therapeutics such as insulin and vaccines by modifying
micro-organisms to improve on the effectiveness of conventional methods. Gene technology is resulting
in precise and rapid diagnostic tests and the formulation of specific disease treatments.

Queensland has the opportunity to enhance a pipeline for the production of vaccines, diagnostics
and therapeutics through the application of gene technology. Using gene technology, our world-class
research institutes have the potential to unlock the secrets of diseases such as malaria and HIV-AIDS,
the consequences of which would be of enormous significance to the developing world.

The potential benefits of gene technology are only beginning to be realised. Queensland, as the
Smart State, needs to be at the forefront of this field of endeavour. This bill will strengthen the framework
for gene technology regulation in Queensland and in Australia to protect the health and safety of people
and the environment. I commend the bill to the House.

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