The objectives of the Gene Technology Act 2000 and the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (PDF 487k) are to protect the health and safety of people and to protect the environment by regulating certain dealings with genetically modified organisms. The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator is responsible for administering the Gene Technology legislation and promoting compliance with the laws and prosecuting non-compliance.
The Gene Technology Act 2000 provides for the OGTR to "issue technical and procedural guidelines" as required to assist in the administering of the Gene Technology legislation. These guidelines encourage good compliance practices by regulated organisations, particularly through the promotion and implementation of best practice techniques.
The Gene Technology Act 2000 delegates authority to assess and review certain GMO activities and certified facilities to Institutional Biosafety Committees and the OGTR. The Griffith University Biosafety Committee assesses and reviews all research and/or teaching activities involving GMOs or OGTR certified facilities at Griffith University.
The University Biosafety Committee advises Griffith University on policies, procedures and compliance related to Genetically Modified Organisms, Security Sensitive Biological Agents, quarantine and biosecurity, and other high risk biological materials.
This includes compliance with the Queensland Biotechnology Code of Ethics, the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (2007), and the Griffith University Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research as they relate to research with such biological materials.
The Committee also assists and advises individuals within Griffith University to comply with the Gene Technology Regulations in dealings with Genetically Modified Organisms, the Security Sensitive Biological Agents Regulatory Scheme, and quarantine and biosecurity regulatory requirements and to ensure due diligence is exercised in activities using other high risk biological materials listed in the Schedule.