Summarised by Centrist
The newly introduced Gene Technology Bill, designed to reform outdated genetic modification laws, promises to streamline regulations and enable advancements in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and climate change.
But experts have pointed to its lack of robust oversight and independence.
Dr Sylvia Nissen of Lincoln University criticised the bill’s central proposal to establish a single Gene Technology Regulator, warning that the position lacks genuine independence.
“The Bill says the Regulator ‘must act independently of the EPA and the Minister,’ but they are also ‘subject to general policy directions given by the Minister.’ This is not true independence,” she said.
The bill’s scope, covering everything from medical therapies to environmental modifications, has also raised questions about the proposed Regulator’s resourcing. Associate Professor Josephine Johnston from the University of Otago stated, “It is not a one-person task to independently and effectively scrutinise complex applications.”
Critics have also expressed concern over the rushed development of the bill. Although inspired by Australia’s regulatory system, the proposed legislation lacks the same level of independence and support structures. “Ensuring the safe and ethical use of genetic modification requires more than a single regulator with vague parameters,” Nissen said.
