Any use of animals for scientific purposes must be ethical, humane and responsible.
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.
Ensuring quality in animal studies
Use of animals in NHMRC funded research
Use of Australian native mammals
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.