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Genetic Engineering
Greens (WA) Detailed Policy 2000Genetic engineering offers the potential for enormous good and enormous harm. It should be treated with the utmost caution. The Greens (WA) support current human biomedical genetic engineering research which is conducted in accordance with scientific principles and appropriate ethical principles. We oppose the current practices of plant and transgenic animal genetic engineering and the release into the environment of genetically engineered micro-organisms, because of the failure of the genetic engineering industry to demonstrate that it is operating safely and ethically in these areas.
Specific Policies
The Greens WA will use the parliamentary process to ensure that:
the principle of unsafe until proven otherwise be applied to the release of genetically altered organisms into the environment;
research is carried out under appropriate conditions of safety for those involved and for the public and biosphere at large;
no adverse impact is made on non-GE producers; and
the patenting of life forms is not approved.
Germline Genetic Engineering [1]
The Greens (WA) support a ban on the germline genetic engineering of humans. We oppose germline transformation of animals, which is contrary to the wellbeing and/or dignity of animals.
The Greens (WA) will encourage and support legislation and actions that:
support genetic testing for defined and serious diseases where the subjects are viewed as high risk;
oppose the testing for other characteristics including cosmetic characteristics;
make information relating to the results of genetic tests available only to the individuals concerned or their parents or guardians and thereafter should be used only with the informed consent of those individuals/parents/guardians;
prevent access to work or health care cover or services being denied on the basis of genetic information relating to the future likelihood of disease or disability;
oppose research into herbicide resistance in plants as it encourages the continued use of pesticides and herbicides, it is ecologically damaging, and can create weeds, insects and viruses which are resistant to known controls;
resist the potential monopolisation of seed sources or animal breeding stocks by a limited number of multinational corporations;
work with governments to protect the traditional sources and supply of plant and animal species and varieties , to maintain national seed stock reserves of plant and animal species, and to actively support market access to these reserves;
support the principle of the non-patentability of gene nucleotide sequences, coding or non-coding, from the genomes of all organisms. We oppose the commercialisation of the human body;
support the patenting of adequately defined products or processes resulting from research on specific gene sequences if they derive from true inventiveness or from suitably described applications of proven originality;
ensure that patents should be for as short a period as possible, with an upper limit of 17 years; and
support the concept of compulsory licensing if a patent has been granted for three years and the patent holder has refused to grant a licence on reasonable terms, thus preventing the progress of legitimate research and development on a patented invention.
Food Labelling
The Greens (WA) demand that the consumer be made fully aware of the application of genetic engineering technology to food products. Food labels must specify if the organism forming the base of the product (plant or animal), has been genetically altered or if the product contains substances derived from genetically altered organisms. GE Free Zones
The Greens (WA) support the setting up of secure areas or regions where growing or releasing genetically modified organisms is not allowed. This will protect the integrity of existing life forms and give consumers a choice between GE and non-GE products. The location and weather patterns make Western Australia an ideal GE Free Zone.
What The Greens (WA) have done:
Greens (WA) MLC Jim Scott introduced a Private Members Bill into the parliament which provides for a moratorium on the growing or release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment. The bill was referred to a Standing Committee to allow stakeholders to have input.
Greens (WA) MPs have taken a leading role in statewide debates on GE, particularly at rural forums.
Background
Genetic engineering is a quantum leap in our ability to adapt and permanently alter the life forms on this planet. Being in its infancy this powerful technology should be treated with the utmost caution. Unfortunately because research is driven by profit motives a race is on to control the market and many modified organisms are being released into the environment without an adequate understanding of the wider ecological effects or control requirements.
The Australian government has largely ignored the logistical environmental, ethical and economic issues and is trying to facilitate the speed use of genetically engineered (GE) organisms. As the last major food exporter to not have widespread GE crops, Australia is in a unique position to benefit from the markets preference for clean green foods and to provide a refuge for maintaining the integrity of non-GE organisms. Communities must be fully informed of the benefits and disadvantages of the technology and the risks inherent in the technology should not outweigh the potential benefits.
Glossary
[1] Germline gene therapy involves the genetic modification of either a fertilised egg or embryonal stem cells, which are cells in the embryonal sac which have differentiated to continue the germline and will later form the gametes of a growing organism. Thus, from the gametes (sperm and ova), modifications are passed on to the next generation of the organism.
References
Discussion Paper by Ray Ryan; Green Party / Comhaontas Glas (Irish Greens)
Crespi R.S., (1995), The European Biotechnology Patent is Dead, TIBTECH, May, 162-164.
Dale P.J., (1995), R & D Regulation and Field Trialing of Transgenic Crops, TIBTECH, Sept., p398-403.
Gregg K.,(1995), Engineering gut flora of ruminant livestock to reduce forage toxicity : progress and problems, TIBTECH, October p418-421.
Lee T.F., (1993), Gene Future: The Promise and the Perils of the New Biology, (Plenum).
Owen D. & Eccles S., (1995), Sequencing the Human Genome: to Patent or not to Patent, The Biochemist, Aug/Sep, p14-18.
Rexroad C.E.,(1995), Transgenic Livestock in Agriculture and Medicine, Chemistry & Industry, May 15th, p372-375.
Uhln M., (1995), Whose Genome is it Anyway, TIBTECH, May , p160-162.
