Gene Technology Inquiry announced in Australia

The Federal Privacy Commissioner Malcolm Crompton, applauded the announcement today of an inquiry into gene technology.

The inquiry, to be conducted by the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Australian Health Ethics Committee of the National Health and Medical Research Council will examine the complex human rights, privacy and discrimination issues posed by advances in gene technology.

"Privacy of personal information must be addressed if Australians are to reap the full benefits that will come from use of gene technologies to improve our health and provide new treatments for medical conditions", Mr Crompton said.

"The inquiry is a timely opportunity to address widespread community concern over the application of these emerging technologies and I urge all interested Australians to contribute to this debate", Mr Crompton said.

The Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner will be preparing a submission to the inquiry and emphasising the importance of a secure and robust regime for the treatment of this sensitive personal information that meets community expectations.

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