Managing Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) issues is a key element of the National Enabling Technologies Strategy. New enabling technologies could potentially raise health, safety, environmental, social and ethical issues. It is important that industry, the research community, and regulatory agencies are informed about these developments.
HSE issues related to nanotechnology
On 11 July 2008 Senator the Hon Kim Carr, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, released two documents that support policy and regulatory activity by the Commonwealth Government:
- The Australian Government Approach to the Responsible Management of Nanotechnology
The objectives identified in this paper [
PDF 45KB] [ 
RTF 354KB] will guide government agencies, including regulators and policy makers in their decision making process and policy development for nanotechnology.
- A Review of Possible Impacts of Nanotechnology on Australia's Regulatory Framework
This independent report [PDF 880KB] [ RTF 5.79MB] was commissioned by the former Australian Office of Nanotechnology to assess the adequacy of nanotechnology regulation. This report, produced by the Centre for Regulatory Studies at Monash University, is being closely examined by Australian regulators and policy makers.
Study on the Feasiblity for Implementation of A Mandatory Nanotechnology Product Registry
The Centre for International Economics was commissioned under the National Enabling Technologies Strategy to report on the feasibility of implementing a mandatory nanotechnology product registry, including an assessment of the costs and benefits.
- Study on the Feasiblity for Implementation of A Mandatory Nanotechnology Product Registry [PDF 397KB] [RTF 998KB]
HSE Working Group
The HSE Working Group, established under the National Nanotechnology Strategy, broadened its Terms of Reference [PDF 33KB] [RTF 54KB] in 2009 to include all enabling technologies (it previously focused on nanotechnology related HSE issues). The HSE Working Group will address any potential HSE issues that may arise with the introduction of enabling technologies. Membership of the HSE Working is listed under its Terms of Reference.
The HSE Working Group undertakes activities to address these issues. The Working Group consists of regulators, policy makers and agencies with a direct interest in nanotechnology developments.
Outcomes from the HSE Working Group
- Prepared a coordinated response to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into nanotechnology.
- Initiated dialogue with the insurance industry to discuss the potential implications of nanotechnology.