Right to ACAT Review for GM Crop Moratorium Directions

ACT Right to ACAT Review for GM Crop Moratorium Directions

Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

26 May 2025: Passed by Parliament and signed off by the governor.

This bill kicks in: TBA

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Topics

administrative review assisted reproduction biotechnology embryo research gene technology genetically modified crops GM crops health healthcare human cloning medical ethics medicines and poisons public health therapeutic goods +9 more

Introduced by: The Hon Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA (ALP) — Minister for Finance, Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for the Public Service

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

People receiving directions under the GM crop moratorium, and others whose interests are affected by the decision, can apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for a review.

The Health Minister must provide a reviewable decision notice to anyone given a direction under the GM crop moratorium.

The definition of 'proper consent' for human cloning and embryo research now refers to 2017 NHMRC ethical guidelines updated in 2023 and specific Commonwealth regulations.

The definition of 'unsuitable for implantation' for embryos now includes diagnoses made via preimplantation genetic diagnosis under 2017 NHMRC guidelines updated in 2023 or specific Commonwealth regulations.

References to the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal are updated to the new Commonwealth Administrative Review Tribunal.

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Rachel Stephen-Smith ALP

“I move: That this bill be agreed to in principle. I am pleased to present the Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 to the Assembly. The bill is an omnibus bill which makes minor or technical amendments to laws falling within the health portfolio.”

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Leanne Castley IND

“The Canberra Liberals will be supporting this bill, which makes a range of minor and technical amendments to existing legislation. I note that no concerns with the legislation have been raised by the community, stakeholders or the scrutiny of bills committee, and the social policy committee decided not to undertake an inquiry into the bill.”