Nationally consistent approach for access to and the utilisation of Australia's native genetic and biochemical resources

About the document

This nationally consistent approach complements actions already taken by Australian Governments to conserve and protect biodiversity. It underpins future action by governments when developing, or reviewing, legislative, administrative or policy measures on access and benefit-sharing.

Australia ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1993. The Convention has three primary objectives, the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. This nationally consistent approach, addresses that third objective of the Convention and in particular responsibilities set out at Articles 1, 3, 6, 8(j), 10(c) 15, 16 and 19.