Legislation and the Australian Code

Legislation

The use of animals in research and teaching in NSW is regulated by the Animal Research Act 1985 (the Act). The Act incorporates the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

• Animal Research Act 1985
• Animal Research Amendment (Prohibition of Forced Swim Tests and Forced Smoke Inhalation Experiments) Act 2024
• Animal Research Amendment (Right to Release) Act 2022
• Animal Research Regulation
• Other Australian legislation

The Code

• The Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (the Code) is a nationally accepted document and is prescribed by the Animal Research Regulation 2021.
• The purpose of the Code is to promote the ethical, humane and responsible care and use of animals used for scientific purposes. It provides guidance for investigators, institutions, animals ethics committees, animal carers and all those involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
• The Code is adopted into legislation in all Australian states and territories. It is endorsed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and Universities Australia. Compliance with the Code is a prerequisite for receipt of NHMRC funding.
• The 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 Code is revised periodically to take into account changes in technology and society's views. NHMRC is currently reviewing the Code - see the NHMRC Code Review website for further information.