The Public Perception of Risk

There is growing debate about the release of genetically modifed organisms to the Australian environment, and current concern about the lack of a national approach to biotechnology regulation. The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology set up an inquiry into genetically modified organisms in October 1990, and called for public submissions. The submissions are a valuable resource for research into the public perception of risk with respect to a new technology which has developed very rapidly, and in advance of an adequate regulatory framework.