OPINION: It divides opinion, but the House has passed the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill.
No working groups, just getting on with it, finally.
Judith Collins says our current regulations for genetically modified organisms are some of the "most backward looking in the world".
Countries, such as Australia, Canada, and England have safely used thses technologies for the benefit of their economies.
Gene technologies having been in use in New Zealand since the 1970s, the restrictive rules and time-consuming processes we have imposed on researchers have made testing and innovating outside the lab all but impossible.
Collins says she's listened to our research, primary industry, and medical communities and the frustrations they have felt over many years.
GE critics remain, but supporters will see this as a win for science over hysteria.