The role of public participation in the genetically modified organisms debate

The release of genetically modified organisms into the environment has provoked wide-ranging concerns from across the community. To address these concerns, the Federal government has recently introduced the Gene Technology Bill 2000 into Parliament, which establishes a new framework for regulating the release of genetically modified organisms. The government has also established a public awareness program under Biotechnology Australia. This article examines the role of public participation measures in developing these responses and argues that to properly address community concerns the government must incorporate a meaningful consultation framework within the response. The article outlines five elements which are necessary to make a consultation framework meaningful and examines whether the government's response addresses all five elements.