Regulatory News

The Gene Technology Bill proposes a new regulatory framework in New Zealand to enable the safe use of gene technologies and regulated organisms. It aims to modernise oversight, support innovation, and ensure risks to human health, the environment, and cultural values are appropriately managed.

The Bill is currently undertaking its second reading before proceeding to the Committee of the Whole House. To read the Bill, please click on the link below.

If you would like to raise any concerns or provide commentary, please Contact us or email us at admin@absanz.org.au

Gene Technology Bill 110-1 (2024), Government Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation

 

he Australian standard, AS 2252.4:2010 Controlled environments, Part 4: Biological safety cabinets and Classes I and II has been updated and a draft of the revised standard is now available for public comment.

Key changes include:

• Overall alignment of the document to the current terminology and format of other documents in the AS 2252 series.
• Updated terminology in line with both AS 2252 and AS 2243 series.
• Modified and updated requirements for the sitting of a device.

Further information, a copy of the draft standard and the consultation site through which individual comments can be submitted can be found here.

Consultation closes on the 22 April 2026.

The Gene Technology Implementation Team is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to the Gene Technology Regulations.

These amendments include significant changes to authorization pathways and nomenclature. ABSANZ encourages all members to review the proposed changes and provide their feedback. 

Further information, including the consultation paper, consultation questions and a link to the consultation hub where you can submit your feedback can be found here.

Additionally, the presentation slides from the information session the Gene Technology Implementation Team held in February are available here.

Consultation closes on the 1 March 2026.

Alternatively, you can Contact us with your feedback and our Regulatory Liaision Committee will submit a response on behalf of our membership. 

Do you have a young, budding biosecurity officer or are you involved in teaching the next generation?

The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry is seeking feedback on classroom resources developed for primary school teachers and students in years 2-5 as part of its Junior Biosecurity Officer program.

The resources and feedback surveys can be found here.

• DAFF Australia – have selectively released public comment for BC5.2 Conditions minor updates. This comment period has closed, and they are updating conditions for publication.
• OGTR released their proposed PC2 conditions for targeted public comment earlier this year and is in the process of updating the conditions for publication.
• AS/NZS 2982 Laboratory Design – Currently out for public comments

 

CH026 - Laboratory

AS/NZS2243 Safety In Laboratory  (these parts are all due for review in 2026)

Part 1 (general)

Part 4 (ionizing radiation)

Part 5 (non ionizing radiation)

Part 8 (ducted fume cupboards)

 

Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have signed a new Standards Development and Distribution Agreement and Standard Operating Procedures, marking a major step forward in modernising and streamlining the development and maintenance of joint trans-Tasman standards, and the harmonised adoption of international standards together.

For further information please click on link to website New trans-Tasman agreement to strengthen Single Economic Market - Standards Australia