New GM website and education package launched

10/8/01
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance has announced a new level of State Government transparency in the trialling of genetically modified organisms.
Mr Chance said full details of the Department of Agriculture's involvement in GM crop trials would be available from today on the department's website.
The Minister also announced the distribution to every local government authority of an education package on this important community issue.
The announcements follow the first and second readings of the State Government's complementary gene technology legislation in the Legislative Assembly this week.
The new GMO Trial Details webpage on the department's Biotechnology website lists all current trials and those involved in post-trial monitoring.
Mr Chance said the State Government's commitment to transparency now went further than the requirements of the Gene Technology Regulator.
The trial sites on the website include all GM trials where:

• the department is the proponent and the trial is undertaken on departmental land;
• another party is a proponent and the trial is undertaken on departmental land; and
• the department is a proponent and the trial is undertaken on private land.

The website lists the crop, its status, location and a short explanation of the trial and also links to the Gene Technology Regulator's website for further information.
The education kit being distributed to councils provides a comprehensive overview of the latest scientific, policy and industry developments in GM technology, as well as a reference for contacts for further information.
"It has been produced in response to views expressed by the public, and local government in particular, that there was not enough information about the GM debate," Mr Chance said.
"I recognise that many Western Australians are interested in the progress of GM technology in this State and it is important that all the issues are addressed thoroughly to ensure that industry, Government and the community make informed decisions about the future.
"There are still several questions that need to be answered about the possibility of the commercial introduction of GM crops into WA farming systems, hence the reason for the Government's cautious approach.
"I have also commissioned a report to address the issue of identity preservation, market access for GM and non-GM canola products. Another study will look at the economic impact of GM crops.
"I believe this information will provide the community with a clear understanding of some of the issues associated with GM technology in WA and where it is heading."
The webpage can be viewed at: http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/biotechnology/gmtrials.htm
Media contact: Mike Marren 9213 6700