From: "mjrbush" Subject: IBAC Finished Date sent: Tue, 21 Sep 1999 16:20:20 +1200 Hi All, Thank you for your prompt responses and clear, consise, constructive input to this collective process. I feel the final document represents farily the concerns of a broad range of NGO's, environmental and interest groups without diluting the core message. The IBAC have issued their press release today along with their consultation/information booklet on biotechnolgies (www.ibac.org.nz). As our PR person is down with flu Sue Kedgeley has volunteered to do our press release. As time is now very much of the essence, I ask that you forward the documents below to as many organisations as you are able via fax and email. The end contact point is RAGE Wellington; Mary-Anne will print and send the letter on our behalf. It has been a real pleasure working with you all. Thank you Rose ________________________ Dear (Environmental Organisation) RE: IBAC BOYCOTT The Independent Biotechnology Advisory Council (IBAC) is embarking on a round of consultation meetings on genetic biotechnology. We understand that 60 organizations/interest groups were invited to this round, though IBAC have declined to reveal exactly who is on the list. We surveyed the NGO's and environmental groups we know to be active in the genetic engineering debate, but could only find four invitees among them, RAGE, Greenpeace, Safe Food Campaign and Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Genetics (PSRG). By this action, opponents to the misapplication of genetic biotechnology appear to have been consigned to the margins of the debate. Further, we believe the IBAC to be biased through the expressed views of the two senior scientists being strong advocates of genetic biotechnology. In terms of their closed consultation process and biased composition, we therefore declare IBAC invalid and ask your support in a boycott of the IBAC process and your endorsement of the collective statement of no confidence in it. If you have been invited to this consultation, we encourage you to submit your own letter of no confidence as well as supporting our collective boycott with your endorsement. We are addressing this letter to Maurice Williamson, Minister for Research, Science and Technology who convened this council with copies to Peter Gluckman (Chairman), Jenny Shipley and the political party heads. We will be issuing a press release to follow the press release and public launch of the IBAC and their information/advisory booklet on genetic engineering biotechnology on the 21st September. Your prompt response is most appreciated as we would like to deliver this letter before this round of consultations is due to commence next week. Please print, sign and return the attached document of endorsement and fax to: RAGE 04-589-0229 _________________________ Following is the letter to the Minister and IBAC council Maurice Williamson Minister of Research, Science and Technology Parliament Buildings Wellington Dear Mr. Williamson, RE: Independent Biotechnology Advisory Council As a coalition of public advocacy groups, we wish to advise our boycott of IBAC for the following reasons: We find the committee is biased on account of its two senior scientists having been strong advocates of genetic engineering in various ways. Furthermore as the Council has no representation from professionals of similar status who have expressed reservations about many applications of genetic engineering, the Council cannot be seen as independent or balanced in it's configuration. Neither is there any true representation of consumer, environmental or public interests. We regard this Council as seriously flawed in its stated intention and therefore unable to consult, inform or make recommendations on matters relating to and concerned with genetic biotechnology and its findings, recommendations and rulings therein null and void. With respect to the investigation of biotechnology issues, only the urgent constitution of a Royal Commission of Inquiry with a wide frame of reference, balanced representation and public participation into all aspects of genetic biotechnology will serve as a way to examine its validity, application and implications for the future of Aoteoroa New Zealand and its people. Representing the coalition of public advocacy groups, Mary-Anne Howard-Clarke RAGE National Convenor _______________________________ PLEASE PRINT OUT THE FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT DOCUMENT, SIGN AND RETURN TO RAGE FX-04-589-0229 This is to certify that I have read the attached letter of no confidence in the IBAC addressed to the Hon. Maurice Williamson, Minister of Research, Science and Technology and do agree with and endorse the statements made therein. Organisation ________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Name _______________________________________________ (Please Print Clearly) Position/Title ________________________________________