5185 (2024). Lan Pham to the Minister for the Environment

5185 (2024). Lan Pham to the Minister for the Environment: Has the Minister retained responsibility for the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996; if not, why not?

Hon Penny Simmonds: Yes. As the Minister for the Environment, I retain the responsibility for a number of functions under the Hazardous Susbstances and New Organisms Act 1996. However, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology has responsibility for progressing any amendments to the Act in respect of genetically modified organisms policy. Please refer to the Ministerial List: https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/our-business-units/cabinet-office/ministers-and-their-portfolios/ministerial-list, which is published on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's website and identifies legislation relating to a range of portfolios.