Scientists can now alter the genes of micro-organisms to produce commercial quantities of a range of other pharmaceuticals. The use of genetic engineering may also lead to treatments for AIDS and various forms of cancer. All new technologies involve risks, as do the technologies we already use. For example, electricity is delivered to our homes in a form that is easily lethal and many deaths from its misuse have occurred. Car, train and airline travel are all potentially dangerous, and are therefore regulated to minimise risk while keeping their benefits.
Genetic engineering involves risk too.
For example, it has been argued that exchanging genes between species could have unpredictable and potentially dangerous effects such as changing familiar species into pests. Just as with plants and animals that were enthusiastically introduced to Australia by the early colonists, genetically modified organisms may have unforeseen effects beyond the agricultural systems into which they are released. However, while ensuring that risks are minimised, we must judge whether the benefits of the technology are worth the possible risks. This decision must be made by the community and by governments. Currently genetic engineering in Australia is scrutinised, controlled and regulated by many government and non-government bodies.