Wooden, ACT, Australia
September 22, 2003

Early-bird notification

Coming soon

Your chance to comment on the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan for dealings involving
intentional release of genetically modified lupins into the environment DIR 043/2003

Application

The OGTR has received an application for a licence under section 40 of the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act) which, if approved, would involve the intentional release of a genetically modified organism (GMO) into the Australian environment.

The OGTR has received an application under section 40 of the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act) which, if approved, would involve an ongoing commercial release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the Australian environment.  The University of Western Australia has submitted an application for a limited and controlled release of genetically modified (GM) lupins (Lupinus angustifolius).  The details of the application are as follows:

DIR043/2003 is an application for a limited and controlled release of GM lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) that have been genetically modified to produce increased sulfur amino acids.  The lupins contain the sunflower seed albumin ssa gene from the sunflower Helianthus annuus, and associated regulatory sequences from pea (Pisum sativum).  This gene increases the levels of sulfur amino acids such as methionine and cysteine.  Total sulfur content remains similar to non-GM lupins because there is a decrease in oxidised sulfur.

The release is proposed for one site (0.5ha) in Perth, Western Australia, over one growing season commencing May 2004.

The total number of GMOs proposed to be released is three.  Two of the GMOs represent two transformation events, and the third is the F₁ progeny of these two GMOs.

Purpose of this notification

I would like to advise people who have previously expressed interest in knowing about work with GMOs in Australia that they now have the opportunity to access information about the application, including the application itself.

You can obtain a copy of the application from my Office (see contact details below).  When contacting the office, please quote the reference number of the application, DIR 043/2003.  As the application is quite lengthy, you may prefer to view a summary of the application, which is posted on our website with this document (under '"What’s New").  If you would like to receive a hard copy of the summary, please contact us and we will post it to you.

A comprehensive ‘Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan’ (RARMP) for this application is now being prepared with input from a broad range of expert groups and stakeholders, including State and Territory Governments, relevant local councils, the Australian Government Environment Minister, key Australian Government agencies and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee.  The RARMP is expected to be available for public comment by mid December 2003.  I anticipate allowing an extended period for comment over the Christmas break on the RARMP for application DIR 043/2002 from the University of Western Australia.

If you have questions about the application, or how you can provide comment, please contact us at:

The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
PO Box 100
Woden, ACT, 2606
Website:  www.ogtr.gov.au
E-mail: ogtr@health.gov.au    
Phone:  1800 181 030
Fax:  (02) 6271 4202