Related legislation
Gene Technology Act 2000
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (www.ogtr.gov.au) was established within the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing to provide administrative support to the Gene Technology Regulator in the performance of their functions under the Gene Technology Act 2000.
The Gene Technology Act 2000, which came into force on 21 June 2001, introduces a national scheme for the regulation of genetically modified organisms in Australia, in order to protect the health and safety of Australians and the Australian environment
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has issued new certification guidelines for PC3 Laboratories, PC1 & PC2 Large Scale, PC2 Aquatic Organism and PC2 Arthropod facilities.
Animal Quarantine Act 1908
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) provides quarantine inspection services for the arrival of international passengers, cargo, mail, animals and plants or their products into Australia, and inspection and certification for a range of animal and plant products exported from Australia.
For specific requirements and conditions to import or export animals or biological products, consult the AQIS website (www.affa.gov.au).
Protection of Wildlife
The following Commonwealth legislation is administered by the Department of the Environment and Heritage, GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601. Phone: (02) 6274 1111
- Wildlife Protection (Regulation of Export and Import) Act 1982
- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 This legislation sets out the national framework for Environmental Protection.
- Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Wildlife Protection) Act, 2001
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation website, contains information on these Acts and associated regulations, outlines procedures for assessments and approvals and reporting requirements, details of the threatened species management plans as well as a selection of helpful fact sheets.
In New South Wales, all native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians (including threatened species) are protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Act ,1974. Threatened species also have their habitat protected under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995. In addition to the requirements under the NSW Animal Research Act, 1985, under the National Parks and Wildlife Act scientific licences are required to undertake an activity for scientific, educational or conservation purposes that is likely to harm or otherwise adversely impact on any protected/threatened animals or plants. Licenses can be obtained from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
For further advice and information about requirements in NSW, including specific policies and guidelines, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website. The site also provides links to fauna protection agencies in other states.
The following research publications can be borrowed from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service research library:
- Hygeine Protocol for the Control of Disease in Frogs
- Policy on the Rehabilitation of Native Fauna
IATA Live Animal Regulations
The IATA Live Animal Regulations are the worldwide standards for transporting animals by commercial airlines. The 33rd edition has been recently released and contains information on over 1,900 species covering issues such as appropriate packaging and handling requirements for each. Information on how to obtain copies of the manual (available in either print or CD ROM) can be found at: