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Genetically Modified Organisms Control Amendment Bill 2014
FACT SHEET
The Genetically Modified Organisms Control Act 2004 (the Act) provides for the whole or any
part of Tasmania to be declared to be a genetically modified organism (GMO) free area, for the
purpose of preserving the identity of non-genetically modified (GM) crops and animals for
marketing purposes, and for persons to be allowed to deal with GMOs under permits. Section
36 of the Act specifies that the Act expires 10 years after commencement, which is November
2014.
An amendment is therefore necessary to facilitate an extension of the Act and thus the
moratorium.
The Genetically Modified Organisms Control Amendment Bill 2014 retains the capacity of the
Tasmanian Government to regulate GMOs for marketing purposes.
Since July 2001, Tasmania has had a moratorium on the release of GMOs to the Tasmanian
environment to protect the State's valuable reputation for producing quality and premium
agricultural produce.
The Genetically Modified Organisms Control Amendment Bill 2014 reaffirms the Tasmanian
Government's support for the continuation of the existing moratorium for a further five years. It
consists of a single amendment that extends the current expiry date of the Genetically Modified
Organisms Control Act from November 2014 to November 2019.
If the Act expires, then the regulation of GMO's in Tasmania will fall under the national
regulatory framework. This means that Tasmania would no longer be able to regulate GMO's
for marketing purposes.
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