Australian Code

The Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Australian Code) was established on the initiative of scientists in 1969. It is a nationally accepted document which is revised periodically to take into account changes in technology and society's views.

Revision of the Code is undertaken, under the auspices of NHMRC, by the Code Reference Group. This Code Reference group includes representatives from NHMRC, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the Australian Research Council, Universities Australia, the state government ministries with responsibility for animal welfare, commonwealth government departments for the sectors of environment, education and primary industries, the RSPCA and Animals Australia.

The stated purpose of the Australian Code is to promote the ethical, humane and responsible care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

The Australian Code establishes Animal Ethics Committees to ensure that animal use is justified and that the principles of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) are adhered to.

The Australian Code is incorporated by reference into the New South Wales Animal Research Regulation and is central to the conduct of animal research in NSW.