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Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a broad term used to describe the use of biological systems (living organisms) to create new products or alter the properties of existing products.

The term has been used for more than a century to describe techniques used in the cross-breeding of plants, enzyme production and alcoholic fermentation.

Gene technology

In recent times, developments in gene technology (also known as "genetic engineering" and "genetic modification") have revolutionised the area of biotechnology.

Scientists are now able to modify an organism by directly incorporating (or deleting) one or more genes into its DNA to create a specific, desired characteristic.

This is a very precise form of biotechnology and allows scientists to introduce or alter specific characteristics of an organism.

Applications

It is generally accepted that the responsible use of biotechnology offers Australia an opportunity to greatly enhance its international competitiveness and its standard of living through the development of new products made using gene technology and biotechnology.

There is a broad range of research applications in areas such as:

Agriculture;
Medicine;
Food Processing;
Manufacturing; and
Environmental Management.

Issues

Biotechnology and gene technology are powerful tools but their use raises many issues that need to be addressed. There are broader non-scientific concerns raised by biotechnology and gene technology, for example:

Moral

Is it right or good to manipulate the natural genetic structure of organisms?
Should there be limits to our genetic manipulation of Nature and what might these limits be?

Social

How should the benefits and risks associated with the biotechnologies be shared across the community? Who will have access to this knowledge and how will it be used?

Regulation

To ensure Australian public health and safety and our unique environment is adequately protected from possible negative impacts in the development and use of gene technology, the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments have developed a national Gene Technology Regulatory Framework.

Statement of Ethical Principles for Biotechnology in Victoria Project

In December 2005 the Victorian Government endorsed the Statement of Ethical Principles for Biotechnology in Victoria and Map of Ethical Control and Guidance (collectively referred to as the Statement) developed by the Victorian Biotechnology Ethics Advisory Committee (VBEAC) in consultation with community and stakeholder groups.

The Statement includes a number of elements that can be downloaded below.