| Institutional Biosafety Committee |
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The Gene Technology Act 2000 (The Act) regulates the use and release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to protect the health and safety of the public and their environment.
All researchers must comply with the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (the Regulations) and the guidelines in the Handbook on the Regulation of Gene Technology in Australia issued by the Gene Technology Regulator (the Regulator).
Organisations, such as Melbourne Health, undertaking research and development in genetic technology are required to be accredited by the Regulator and maintain a properly constituted Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). The Melbourne Health IBC monitors all dealings with GMOs within Melbourne Health, in accordance with the Regulator's Accreditation Guidelines.
All researchers wishing to deal with GMOs need to obtain approval to undertake their work from the Regulator, through the IBC. All dealings must be submitted to the IBC, on the prescribed form for the particular type of dealing, who will review the application and provide advice and assistance to proponents. Dealings are defined in The Act to include conducting experiments, breeding and culturing GMOs.
Certain dealings must be undertaken within containment facilities and these facilities need to be certified. The purpose of certification is to satisfy the Regulator that the facilities meet the requirements for physical containment. For example, certified PC2 facilities are required for work with certain dealings.
Follow these links for additional information:
Contact Details
Dr Sarah Rickard
Gene Technology and Biosafety Officer
Melbourne Health
Office for Research
The Royal Melbourne Hospital
PARKVILLE VIC 3050
Ph: 03 9342 8530
Fax: 03 9342 8548
email: Sarah.Rickard@mh.org.au | 
