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The Tasmanian House of Assembly has voted to extend the state's moratorium on genetically modified organisms for 10 years. The moratorium, which was due to expire in November, was previously held for five years. Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett said the moratorium would be reviewed every three years as technological advancements and community sentiment could change. He said a comprehensive review would be undertaken before the 10-year expiry. Mr Barnett said the time period would give primary producers and exporters certainty over branding of their GMO-free products and confidence for additional investment. He said Brand Tasmania would play a role in pushing the state's GMO-free products in key markets. "We've not closed our mind entirely to potential opportunities presented by gene technology down the track should it be warranted and should it not put at risk our brand and market access," Mr Barnett said. The Greens attempted to push for the GMO moratorium to be in place indefinitely. Greens spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said past reviews and ongoing environmental scans had not identified any significant changes since the act was introduced. She said expiration of this act without the adequate time for response would leave a regulatory blackhole. This was not supported by the government and Labor. Labor primary industries spokesman Shane Broad said an indefinite moratorium would not give Parliament a time frame in which to reconsider GMO technology in the state. The bill will now come before the Legislative Council for scrutiny.

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