Welcome to Victoria University's Institutional Biosafety Committee website.
This website is designed to assist staff and students with matters relating to biosafety. It provides useful information about the application process for working with genetically modified organisms, key dates, contacts, useful links and resources, and an avenue for your feedback regarding VU's Institutional Biosafety application process.
You are encouraged to browse through the website by selecting the options on the navigation bar left of the screen. To keep up-to-date with matters pertaining to Institutional Biosafety, please visit this site on a regular basis.
All work involving Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) at Victoria University must be carried out in accordance with the current legislation.
In Australia, all dealings involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are regulated by the Gene Technology Act 2000 and the Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (as amended in 2007). The objective of this legislation is "to protect the health and safety of people, and the environment, by identifying risks posed by or as a result of gene technology, and managing those risks by regulating certain dealings with genetically modified organisms."
What is a GMO?
The full definition of a GMO appears in the Gene Technology Act. In essence, a GMO means:
In July 2007 significant amendments were made to the legislation. It is important that all persons working with GMOs are aware of these changes and have a working knowledge of the current regulations and guidelines.
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) is the government body established to regulate all activities with GMOs within Australia. The OGTR website is regularly maintained and provides important information on many aspects of gene technology in this country, including details of the current legislation and guidelines for working with GMOs.
The Victoria University Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) has received accreditation from the OGTR for the purpose of conducting work with GMOs. The IBC oversees all work with GMOs at the University to ensure the safety of all staff, students, the general community and the environment, and compliance with the current regulations.
The IBC has the authority to approve certain low risk categories of work with GMOs on behalf of the OGTR and meets at least twice a year to review and assess new proposals involving genetic manipulation at the University. The IBC will also notify the OGTR of the approved GMO dealing if necessary, or forward an application to the OGTR if a licence is required.
All queries for the IBC should be directed to the Secretary at ibc@vu.edu.au
Certification of Facilities
The IBC is also responsible for inspecting certified laboratories used for genetic manipulation to ensure that all work is carried out within properly maintained facilities:
http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/certifications-1#appform
Dealings Involving Genetically Modified Organisms
All "dealings" with GMOs must be reported to the IBC for approval. To "deal with", in relation to a GMO, means the following:
Storage of GMOs
Researchers may wish to store GMOs after completion of a project for future research or teaching purposes. All storage of GMOs must be approved by the IBC and carried out safely in accordance with the OGTR guidelines:
http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dnirstorage-form-1
Transport of GMOs
Transport of GMOs is also regulated under the current legislation. All transport of GMOs outside the approved facility must be carried out safely, in accordance with the OGTR guidelines for the transport of GMOs:
http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/transport-guide-1
When GMOs are sent between organisations it is the responsibility of both organisations to ensure that the correct approvals are in place.
Importation Requirements
Import of genetically modified organisms (including GM grains/seeds) into Australia is also regulated by the Gene Technology Act in addition to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). It is essential that appropriate authorisations and approvals are obtained prior to importation. Please contact the IBC for further details.
http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/import-reqs-1
