Media Release

Bendigo, Friday 16th May 2003    9.00pm
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA CALLS ON
STATE GOVERNMENT TO DECLARE A THREE YEAR GM MORATORIUM

On Wednesday the 14th may, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), the
body overseeing Victoria's seventy-eight local councils, voted in favor of
a three year Moratorium and a broad inquiry on GMO's.

The motion read :

"That the Municipal Association of Victoria recognises the need for
community consultation on the use of genetically modified organisms and so
calls on the State Government to declare a three year moratorium in
Victoria to allow for proper and informed community consultation and
debate."

This support by the MAV for both a longer moratorium and informed community
consultation on GMO's has been welcomed by GE Free Victoria. Convenor, Gill
Rosier, said that this motion reflects community sentiment.

"The verdict is unanimous; Australia needs time to assess the GM industry.
Most of our grain growing states are introducing five year moratoriums -
Tasmania, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory; with a
bill for a five year freeze or moratorium currently before the South
Australian Parliament; while New south wales is introducing a three year
moratorium."

Ms Rosier stated that a community inquiry on the biotechnology industry is
in keeping with the government's promise of  'full consultation,
communication, transparency, monitoring and accountability' (Preface,
Biotechnology Strategic Development Plan).

"A broad community consultation process was also part of the Victorian
ALP's policy passed at their October State Conference in 2002, " Ms. Rosier
said.

"To the Bracks Government's credit, they have instituted many policy
reviews where community input has been sought. We now hope they will heed
the call from the MAV for a broad biotechnology policy review," she
continued.

"GE Free Victoria will be asking that to ensure this process answers the
community's needs, the
community set the terms of reference for this inquiry and that all
stakeholder groups be resourced to enable full participation," she
continued.
 
For interview or more information:

Gill Rosier. Convener,  GE FREE Victoria   
(03) 5435 3037  gefreevic@iinet.net.au