Research Services Division
Research
If, as a Deakin staff member or student, you plan to carry out any research or teaching involving genetic modification, you will need to contact the Biosafety Director, Aprof Tess Toop prior to commencement.
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) functions as the federal office regulating the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and replaces the former Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee (GMAC). The OGTR implements and monitors the tenets of the Gene Technology Act 2000. This Act came into force on 21 June 2001. The Act is primarily a risk assessment and management document aimed at preventing the uncontrolled release of GMOs into the environment. Its principle concern is the health and safety of people and the environment. Each organization that conducts dealings with GMOs must be Accredited by the OGTR and also have access to an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). Deakin University’s IBC is called the Laboratory and Biosafety Committee (LBC).
The OGTR has implemented new processes for monitoring compliance with the Act. These include a system of application for notification and licensing of dealings with GMOs and certification of physical containment facilities. Relevant definitions and information about these procedures can be found in the Handbook on the Regulation of Gene Technology in Australia: a user’s guide to the Gene Technology Act 2000 and related legislation - external link.
Dealings with GMOs fall into one of 4 classes under the Act; complete definitions can be found in the Handbook (see above). The following is a brief guide to the 4 classes:
Any research that falls into this category requires notification and clearance by the Laboratory and Biosafety Committee. To ascertain whether your work falls into this category please look at the definitions attached to the Exemption Notification form. If you require further clarification please contact the Associate Professor and Director, Ethics and Biosafety.
Any research that falls into this category requires notification and clearance by the Laboratory and Biosafety Committee and notification to the OGTR. Please access the OGTR website - external link to view an NLRD application form and for further information.
Any research that falls into this category requires clearance by the Laboratory and Biosafety Committee and licensing by the OGTR. The OGTR perform a risk assessment and management plan, independently of the accredited organization, and may consult with the public before a licence can be issued. Please access the OGTR website - external link to view a DNIR application form and for further information. NOTE: DNIR applications can take up to 90 working days for the OGTR to process.
Any research that falls into this category requires clearance by the Laboratory and Biosafety Committee and licensing by the OGTR. The OGTR perform a risk assessment and management plan, independently of the accredited organization, and must consult with the public before a licence can be issued. . Please access the OGTR website - external link to view an DIR application form and for further information. NOTE: DIR applications can take up to 180 working days for the OGTR to process.
There is provision under the Act for information to be kept as confidential commercial information. However, the applicant must apply for such consideration and should discuss the matter with the Associate Professor and Director, Ethics and Biosafety before doing so.
Training is required if you are working on an Exempt Dealing, NLRD, DNIR or DIR project, or in a PC1 or PC2 facility. Contact the appropriate person below for further information:
