By Michael Reid
New emergency powers that allow Australian authorities to fast-track the release of genetically modified organisms could pose unacceptable risks, say critics.
According to a bill passed by the Senate this month, the Health Minister could hypothetically order the rapid approval of a GM vaccine to fend off a bird-flu pandemic, or a GM bacterium to "eat" an oil spill.

But critics are concerned emergency powers in the Gene Technology Amendment Bill 2007 could lead to inadequately tested GM organisms being released.

Australian Greens senator Rachel Siewert says, "There's a very real danger that the cure could be worse than the disease. We do not want to create another cane toad."

The Department of Health disagrees, and says the Minister will only have the power to declare an emergency release of a GM organism if convinced there is an "actual or imminent threat" and if the action will be effective.

The Minister is required to consult states and territories, and officials such as the Gene Technology Regulator, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Veterinary Officer or the Chief Plant Protection Officer must also advise.

But Siewert says the bill does not contain enough detail on the circumstances that could justify fast-tracking a release, leaving it up to the Minister and a handful of advisers.

But the Health Department says the Bill is "very prescriptive" about how powers can be used. And the Minister can only order an emergency release if the Gene Technology Regulator says risks can be "managed safely".

Siewert says there won't be time for proper deliberation to determine whether the risks of releasing a GM organism outweigh the benefits.


[canberra.yourguide.com].