WA Reviews key GM legislation
Source: Envirocentre Newsletter
"The WA Government is reviewing a key Act relating to genetically modified crops and has called for public submissions to the review.
The Act being assessed is the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act 2003 which prohibits the cultivation of certain genetically modified crops in designated areas of WA and, in certain cases, provides for the crops’ destruction.
It is a requirement of the Act that a review be undertaken five years after its commencement and for a report to be tabled in Parliament by December 24, 2009.
The review will look at the Act and whether it is appropriate; its operation and effectiveness; and the orders prohibiting the cultivation of GM crops and the granting of exemptions.
The government has stressed, however, that the review is not a general inquiry into gene technology and GM organisms. Issues such as the safety and labelling of GM foods, legal liability, use of pesticides, intellectual property and the role of multi-nationals are not covered under the scope of the review."