Inquiry into primary producer access to gene technology
Media Releases

Media release: 30 March 1999

FRAN BAILEY ANNOUNCES INQUIRY INTO GENE TECHNOLOGY

"Gene Technology will be the next great world wide revolution after the industrial revolution and the information technology revolution," according to the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Primary Industries and Regional Services (PIRS), Fran Bailey.

The comment followed her announcement that the PIRS Committee is launching an inquiry into Primary Producer Access to Gene Technology.

"Gene technology is moving ahead at such a rapid pace in this field that it is vitally important that the Parliament is kept up to date on the opportunities and implications for our primary producers.

"The committee will inquire and report on the following areas with particular emphasis on the capacity for small and medium sized enterprises to access the benefits of gene technology:

• The future value and importance of genetically modified varieties;
• The ability for producers to compete using traditionally available varieties;
• The commercialisation and marketing of agricultural and livestock production varieties;
• The cost to producers of new varieties;
• Other impediments to the utilisation of new varieties and the protection of the rights of independent breeders, in relation to genetically modified organisms;
• The appropriateness of current variety protection rights, administrative arrangements and legislation, in relation to genetically modified organisms; and
• Opportunities to educate the community of the benefits of gene technology.

"We cannot afford to be left behind in this debate. We must ensure that Australian producers benefit from advances in gene technology.

"Whilst this is a sensitive issue, I believe this inquiry is vital to the future of Australia's agricultural and horticultural industries.

It is in the interest of both producers and consumers to be well informed on this important issue.

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