Animal ethics

In Australia, the state and territory governments have regulatory responsibility for animal welfare including the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

NHMRC provides national leadership on the ethical, humane and responsible care and use of animals for scientific purposes through provision of guidance in the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code). The Code is adopted into legislation in all Australian states and territories.

We also provide a variety of guidance and resources to help people ensure that the use of animal is ethical and humane, complies with all relevant legislation and the Code, and meets the highest possible standards.

The 3Rs

Ensuring quality in animal studies

Use of animals in NHMRC funded research

Use of Australian native mammals 

Non-human primates

Resources: The generation, breeding, care and use of genetically modified and cloned animals for scientific purposes

Use of animals for testing of cosmetics 

Guidelines to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes

Animal Welfare Committee

NHMRC's Animal Welfare Committee advises us on issues about the care and use of animals in biomedical research.