AUS: ANZFA And Gene Technology Inquiry

Wednesday, 22 September 1999

AUS: ANZFA Is Co-Operating With Gene Technology Inquiry

The Chairman of the Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA), the Hon Michael MacKellar, said today that he was very disappointed in a news release (21 September) which stated that ANZFA was trying "to evade" participation in the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Primary Industries and Regional Services' inquiry into gene technology.

'This is wrong. In fact, ANZFA lodged a submission to the Committee's inquiry in July 1999,' Mr MacKellar said

'ANZFA staff had had discussions with the Committee about a date on which ANZFA might appear. However, on the day nominated by the Committee, senior staff had a long standing commitment to be in Melbourne to attend a meeting of the ANZFA Board and to participate in consultations with industry, public health, consumer and other groups.

'ANZFA will welcome the opportunity to appear before the Committee at a mutually agreed future time.

'I would emphasise that, while ANZFA does not adopt a partisan position of advocating or opposing gene technology, it has a very great interest in the regulation of the technology and the various uses to which it can be put. ANZFA regularly provides speakers on these topics and is happy to participate in the inquiry being conducted by the Committee,' Mr MacKellar said.

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