Gene Technology (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 15 February 2017.)

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change) (15:53): I rise to close the debate at the second reading. I believe all those who wished to make a contribution have done so. Just to recap: as South Australia is a signatory to the National Gene Technology Agreement, the Gene Technology (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2016 was brought to this place to reflect changes made to the commonwealth Gene Technology Act 2000.

The agreement sets out overarching principles to ensure the commonwealth, state and territory governments establish a nationally consistent regulatory scheme. This agreement aims to ensure national fulfilment of the objectives of the gene technology legislation, and that is to protect the health and safety of people and to protect the environment.

The passing of this bill will now mean that the South Australian Gene Technology Act 2001 remains aligned with the national scheme but will have minimal operational impacts on gene technology activities within South Australia, I am advised. Through the agreement, Australia has developed an international reputation for best practice regulation and risk assessment in this area.

I would like to extend my thanks to Ms Fay Jenkins, Ms Joanne Cammans and Ms Kate Turner from the Food and Controlled Drugs Branch, Public Health Services, for their hard work and help in the passage of this bill. I commend the second reading to the chamber.

Bill read a second time.

Committee Stage

Bill taken through committee without amendment.

Third Reading

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change) (15:58): I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Bill read a third time and passed.