About the consultation
In 2021, the Gene Technology Ministers’ Meeting (GTMM) consulted on the Decision Regulation Impact Statement on proposed changes to the National Gene Technology Scheme (Scheme). Following consideration of the feedback from the consultation, the GTMM agreed to implement the priority recommendations by adopting the preferred regulatory model, including the development of risk proportionate authorisation pathways (risk-tiering) and a shift toward delegated legislation.
Legislative reforms are required to bring the new regulatory model into effect and to update, future proof and modernise the scheme. The changes aim to ensure the scheme reflects current best-practice and is appropriately flexible and risk based in an environment where the science and inherent risks of gene technology is evolving.
In September of 2024, we undertook stakeholder consultation on proposed amendments to Gene Technology Act 2000 (GT Act). We thank all the stakeholders who contributed feedback.
We are now seeking feedback on the proposed amendments to the Gene Technology Regulations 2001. Changes to the GT Regulations support the proposed amendments to the GT Act and ensure the scheme remains flexible and capable of dealing with future developments and challenges. This consultation also provides stakeholders with further details on the operation of the proposed regulatory reforms.
Have your say
Consultation with our stakeholders is an important stage in the development of amendments to legislation. This consultation intends to provide stakeholders with the opportunity to have their say on the amendments to legislation, and how it might impact them.
This consultation is open from 5 January 2026 and closes 1 March 2026.
Submissions should be lodged by answering the consultation questions in the survey on the Consultation Hub.
Where possible, reasoning and supporting information should be included. Providing consultation responses via the survey in the consultation hub will ensure that input can be clearly considered against the relevant proposed amendments.
Stakeholders are encouraged to read the; Consultation Paper – January 2026 - Gene Technology Amendment Regulations, which can be found on the Consultation Hub.
Information webinar
We will be hosting an information session during the public consultation period, with the date and time of the information session and how to register to be provided soon.
Get involved
Contact us to subscribe to updates so we can notify you when we launch a new public consultation about gene technology issues and policies.
You can then take part in future consultation processes to make sure we consider your views.