By exploiting advances in food production technology, improved health care and maintenance of the environment, we can deliver a better standard of living. The world will be a poorer place if these opportunities are frustrated through ignorance. We have a responsibility to ensure that broader community understanding keeps pace with the rapid advancement of science. It starts in our schools and extends to general public awareness. Governments and the biotech community can further the cause by focusing on every opportunity to better educate and inform the community.
Biotechnology obviously raises significant issues of safety and ethics.
A clear and well-understood regulatory environment that allays public concern is necessary to clear the way forward for biotechnology development. I am determined that Queensland will not only be a leader in biotechnology but will also lead in the development of robust and workable standards relating to biosafety and bioethics. While my Government has made a significant commitment to biotechnology, I can assure you that developments in this area will be subject to the strictest ethical and regulatory standards. My Government is already working with our Federal Government to address safety and labelling issues and the development of a nationally consistent regulatory framework for gene technology. I will soon unveil a draft Code of Ethical Practice for Queensland bio-industries to ensure that Queensland's operations are above criticism.