Dr Paul Hutchison National Science Spokesperson
1 September 2003
GE Bill has too much red tape - National
"The National Party will support the Government's New Organisms and Other Matters Bill, but with considerable
reservation," says Dr Paul Hutchison, National's Spokesperson for Science.
"National views an evidence-based scientific approach to this Bill as being fundamental, and we agree entirely with the
Royal Commission that 'continuation of research is critical to New Zealand's future'.
"National supports a very rigorous approach to risk analysis, but is concerned this Bill may impose very heavy financial
burdens, time delays and compliance costs on applicants, which effectively hinders rather than facilitates safe
progress.
"The Bill also acts against the Government's 'innovation and growth policy', which focuses on biotechnology as one of
three key areas for New Zealand to promote. The reality of the Bill is that permission for full commercial release in
the next few years is highly unlikely.
"I'm also concerned that the Minister's powers to 'call in' applications have widened to include cultural, ethical and
spiritual effects. The effect of these proposed changes will be to create further uncertainty for scientists and those
that make commitments to biotechnology, with a resultant loss of confidence in the New Zealand regulatory environment
for leading edge research and development.
"National is also concerned about the high levels of fines proposed in this legislation and that there is a reversal of
burden of proof. Many lawyers believe regimes surrounding GE do not justify changing the principles that apply in other
scenarios," Dr Hutchison said.
Dr Hutchison said National had consistently supported the findings of the Royal Commission on Genetic Engineering but
believed the Government Bill would tie up researchers in red tape.
Ends