| Currently all major canola growing states have imposed a moratium banning the commercial release of GM canola. While Queensland does not have a ban, the varieties approved for commercial release are considered unsuitable for Queensland conditions.
The following moratoria legislations are applicable. Click on the Acts concerned for more details.
Western Australia
For review: 22 March 2009
Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act 2003
The Act and associated regulations provide for: the state, or areas thereof, to be declared a prohibited area for the cultivation of GM crops, the responsible minister to issue exemptions from conditions of the Act, The Act stipulates it must be reviewed in the sixth year following its commencement.
WA Standing Committee Report Full report
South Australia
For review: 29 April 2007
Genetically Modified Crops Management Act 2004
Allows a prohibited area for the cultivation of GM food crops, the responsible minister to permit limited and contained experiments and trials of GM food crops. The Act stipulates it must be reviewed within three years of commencement.
New South Wales:
Expiry: 3 March 2008
Gene Technology GM Act 2003
Gene Technology GM Crop Moratorium Act 2003
Gene Technology GM Crop Moratorium Act Amendment Bill 2004
Responsible minister may order prohibition on cultivation of specified GM food plants, or classes of GM food plants or exemptions from prohibition orders
Victoria
Expiry: 29 February 2008
Control of Genetically Modified Crops Act 2004
Responsible minister may order: – prohibition on cultivation of specified GM plants in specified areas of Victoria, permissible areas in which specified GM plants or classes of GM plants may be cultivated, conditions that attach to cultivation prohibition or permission orders, exemptions from prohibition orders
• Act includes an order prohibiting the cultivation of GM canola in Victoria until 29 February 2008
Tasmania
Expiry: June 2008
Tasmanian Plant Quarantine Act 1997 • Moratium extended under this Act. The responsible minister may permit some dealings with GMOs under this Act — for example, for trials of certain GM crops
Genetically Modified Organisms Control Act 2004 • Allows for the state to be declared GMO free 2008. Permits to be issued for persons to have dealings with specified GMOs
Gene Technology Policy Review - Position Paper
Gene Technology Statement
Australian Capital Territory
Reviewed annually due: 2006
Gene Technology (GM Crop Moratorium) Act 2004
Responsible minister may order: prohibition on cultivation of specific GM food plants, exemption from prohibition of specified contained research and field trials approved by the Gene Technology Regulator. Act expires on a date to be fixed (not before 17 June 2006)
Julie Newman |
