Stimulating authentic community involvement in biotechnology policy in Australia

Schibeci, R. and Harwood, J. (2007) Stimulating authentic community involvement in biotechnology policy in Australia. Public Understanding of Science, 16 (2). pp. 245-255.

Abstract

This paper analyzes community involvement in biotechnology policy in Australia. Specifically, we examine the Gene Technology Act 2000 that governs gene technology in Australia and the roles of the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator and the Gene Technology Community Consultative Committee. We contend that the institutions that underpin biotechnology policy serve to hamper community involvement and reinforce a cognitive deficit model of community involvement. Finally, we propose how the situation could be turned around so that interested citizens can participate in authentic community involvement in biotechnology policy in Australia.