Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

GENE TECHNOLOGY ACT 2000 - SECT 27

                   The Regulator has the following functions:

                     (a)  to perform functions in relation to GMO licences as set out in Part 5;

                     (b)  to develop draft policy principles and policy guidelines, as requested by the Ministerial Council;

                     (c)  to develop codes of practice;

                     (d)  to issue technical and procedural guidelines in relation to GMOs;

                     (e)  to provide information and advice to other regulatory agencies about GMOs and GM products;

                      (f)  to provide information and advice to the public about the regulation of GMOs;

                     (g)  to provide advice to the Ministerial Council about:

                              (i)  the operations of the Regulator and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee; and

                             (ii)  the effectiveness of the legislative framework for the regulation of GMOs, including in relation to possible amendments of relevant legislation;

                     (h)  to undertake or commission research in relation to risk assessment and the biosafety of GMOs;

                      (i)  to promote the harmonisation of risk assessments relating to GMOs and GM products by regulatory agencies;

                      (j)  to monitor international practice in relation to the regulation of GMOs;

                     (k)  to maintain links with international organisations that deal with the regulation of gene technology and with agencies that regulate GMOs in countries outside Australia;

                      (l)  such other functions as are conferred on the Regulator by this Act, the regulations or any other law.