Gene Technology Legislation

Requirements for work with genetically modified organisms

The Gene Technology Act 2000 and Gene Technology Regulations 2001 came into effect on the 21 June 2001. This legislation governs all work involving Gene Technology in Australia. The objective of the Act is to protect the health and safety of people and the environment, by identifying risks posed by, or as a result of, gene technology and by managing those risks through regulating dealings and activities with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has legislative power to enforce requirements where work involving gene technology is being undertaken. For details of the Act please refer to the Gene Technology Regulator website. In summary, the legislation regulates all “dealings” (or activities) with GMOs. Any researcher or student wishing to undertake a project involving GMOs must apply to the University of Sydney Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) for approval.

Researchers from the University of Sydney:

Must provide the EMU with a copy of their IBC project approval letter.

Researchers from institutions other than the University of Sydney:

Need to complete the application below required for University of Sydney IBC approval, AND also provide a copy of their IBC approval letter from their own institution.

In order to determine the type of application to be completed, refer to Schedule 2 (pg 32) and Schedule 3 (pg 38) of the Gene Technology Regulations, (PDF 345KB).

Submission of application forms and/or IBC project approval letter

All applications forms and/or IBC project approval letters should be brought to the New User Meeting and/or submitted to Dr Frankie Stevens, Biomolecular Imaging Specialist, Electron Microscope Unit, Madsen Building F09, The University of Sydney, ph. 02 9351 7525.