Fed: Calls to delay gene tech laws in Senate

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2000
Fed: Calls to delay gene tech laws in Senate

CANBERRA, Dec 6 AAP - Health advocates today urged the federal government to delay
debate on planned new gene technology laws, which are likely to be raised in the Senate
tomorrow.

The government wants to cement its new gene technology plan into law before Friday,
when parliament winds up for the year.

The Senate held a marathon sitting into the early hours of yesterday morning in an
attempt to deal with the laws, but failed to decide on a range of amendments.

The laws, governing the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) such as crops
and GM foods, would be a first for Australia, with GMOs currently overseen by a regulatory
body.

The government has for months warned the states, opposition and minor parties not to
hold up the Gene Technology Bill to ensure proper laws on GMOs could be operational as
soon as possible.

The Gene Ethics Network today joined the Organic Federation of Australia in calling
for a delay in debate.

"The bill that has been agreed between the ALP and the government is so weak as to
be ineffectual," Gene Ethics spokesman Bob Phelps said.

"We want a delay until the next sitting of the parliament.

"We feel that the government and the ALP have pandered to the interests of agribusiness."

A delay was the only option if adequate laws were to be put in place, Mr Phelps said.

"We have been advocating for genetic engineering laws for 13 years and governments
have been discussing it for that long or even longer," he said.

"It's more important at the 11th hour to get it right rather than get it quickly."

Organic Federation chair Scott Kinnear said debate should not be stifled simply to
get the laws into place before the end of the year.

"This bill is fundamentally going to affect every farmer and every consumer and people
should be very upset by this deal, which is sure to make the transnational corporations
happy," Mr Kinnear said.

"It is time for Australians to phone, ring, fax, write to the government and the opposition
to voice their concern."

AAP lm/daw/was/br

KEYWORD: GENE (CARRIED EARLIER)

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