The import, use and development of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Tasmania, along with any other dealings, are regulated by laws at both the Commonwealth and State levels.
Tasmania has a moratorium in place until 16 November 2029.
The Tasmanian Gene Technology Policy 2019-2029 outlines how the moratorium is implemented:
Tasmanian Gene Technology Policy 2019-2029 (PDF 246Kb)
The
Tasmanian Gene Technology Guidelines describe the dealings that may be authorised under the Act and Policy:
Tasmanian Gene Technology Guidelines 2019 (PDF 442Kb)
2025 GMO Environmental Scan
The Tasmanian Gene Technology Policy 2019-29 requires that there will be ongoing monitoring of developments in gene technology, markets and consumer sentiment. The Department produces a periodic report on these developments, known as an Environmental Scan. The findings of the Environmental Scan may trigger an early review of the moratorium, should developments warrant it.
The Final Report of the most recent Environmental Scan was released on 9 April 2025:
GMO Environmental Scan Final Report 2025 (PDF 400Kb)
The Environmental Scan found no new evidence that would warrant an early review of the GMO moratorium, but it did identify increased acceptance of SDN-1 modified organisms both internationally and locally.
From 9 April 2025 to 21 May 2025, stakeholders were invited to comment on a proposal for Tasmania to align its regulation of SDN-1 modified organisms with the rest of Australia under the National Gene Technology Scheme. Submissions can be viewed at the public submissions received in response to consultation on the 2025 GMO Environmental Scan web page and the results of the consultation are available in a consultation summary report:
GMO Environmental Scan Consultation Report 2026 (PDF 594Kb)
The consultation found that most stakeholders were supportive of the proposal for Tasmania to align its policy on SDN-1 organisms with the rest of Australia. In response, the Tasmanian Government has updated the Tasmanian Gene Technology Policy 2019-29 and Gene Technology Guidelines to say that SDN-1 modified organisms are no longer to be regulated as GMOs in Tasmania.
This reduces red tape for industry and supports the competitiveness, innovation and productivity of Tasmanian agriculture. Tasmania's GMO moratorium continues unchanged.
A Fact Sheet on the findings of the 2025 GMO Environmental Scan and updates to Tasmania's gene technology policy is at:
2025 GMO Environmental Scan - Fact Sheet (PDF 127Kb)
Previous GMO Environmental Scans
Previous GMO Environmental Scans are available below:
GMO Environmental Scan 2017 (PDF 920Kb)
GMO Environmental Scan 2016 (PDF 597Kb)
GMO Environmental Scan 2015 (PDF 477Kb)
Reviews of the GMO Moratorium
In addition to the regular Environmental Scans, a full review of the GMO moratorium is to be carried out prior to the expiration of the moratorium. The most recent review concluded in August 2019.
The Final Report for the Review is available:
Review Process
The 2019 review examined the potential marketing impacts of extending or amending the moratorium, or allowing it to expire. It considered:
The potential market advantages and disadvantages of allowing or not allowing the use of gene technology in Tasmanian primary industries, including food and non-food sectors
Domestic and international gene technology policy relevant to primary industries
Research and development relevant to the use of gene technology in primary industries
Any other relevant matters raised during the review.
The focus of the review was on the trade and marketing considerations associated with the GMO moratorium, the experience in other jurisdictions, and any gene technology developments that may warrant a reconsideration of the moratorium now or in the future.
In March 2019 the Department released an Issues Paper and invited submissions:
GMO Moratorium Issues Paper 2019 - Full Version (includes Appendix) (PDF 5Mb)
GMO Moratorium Issues Paper 2019 (PDF 212Kb)
The review received a total of 76 submissions.
The submissions can be viewed at Public Submissions Received in Response to the 2018 Review of Tasmania's GMO Moratorium.