| The
Australian Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell, today announced new environmental
regulations to control the use of Commonwealth genetic
resources while promoting research and investment.
Senator Campbell announced the new regulations on the
eve of AusBiotech 2005, a major conference of the biotechnology
industry and investors from all over the world, being
held in Perth.
“Australia is home to more than two million species of
plants and animals, with more than 80 per cent found nowhere
else in the world,” Senator Campbell said.
“These new regulations will not only protect the environment
but they will prevent the unauthorised commercialisation
of valuable biological resources from Commonwealth lands
and waters.
“They will ensure that it’s no longer possible to use
our genetic resources for R&D without permission and
an equitable return to the Australian people.”
Senator Campbell said there was a growing global market
in the use of genetic and biochemical resources from plants,
animals and microbial life. Global sales in 2000 of products
derived from marine species amounted to AUD$137 billion.
So far only a small proportion of Australia’s species
have been examined for their potential for new products.
The regulations, declared under the Environment Protection
and Biodiversity Conservation Act, will protect their
scientific and economic value.
“Most importantly, the regulations mean certainty for
investment. The biotechnology industry has huge long-term
potential for the Australian economy,” Senator Campbell
said.
“Scientists who are engaged in non-commercial research
will welcome special streamlined arrangements introduced
to obtain access to Commonwealth owned or managed genetic
materials.”
The regulations implement existing Government policy and
Commonwealth commitments under the 2002 agreement between
all Australian governments on the management of Australia’s
genetic resources. The regulations also implement Australia’s
obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
“Australia is setting a new benchmark in balancing the
interests of the biotechnology industry, the science community,
managers of biodiversity and the Australian community,”
Senator Campbell said.
The new environmental regulations will come into force
on 1 December 2005. |
