Survey: Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes

Overview

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is reviewing the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, 8^th edition (2013, updated 2021) (the Code). The review is being informed by advice from NHMRC’s Animal Welfare Committee and the Interdepartmental Committee. The process includes public consultation on the draft 9^th edition of the Code, which we expect will occur in the second half of 2026.

As part of this review, NHMRC is conducting a survey of current users of the Code to assist with the identification of issues for consideration during the review.

Some issues that we are aware of, in no particular order of importance, include:

• revision of the definition of ‘animal’ to include decapods
• how animal sentience should be taken into account
• consideration and use of non-animal methods
• assessment of the potential harms and benefits of proposed animal use
• ensuring the quality of animal-based studies
• use of both sexes, where appropriate
• transparency and accountability
• AEC membership including, for example, person responsible for the care of animals in institutions; biostatistician
• assessment of competence for the conduct of procedures
• application of the Code in teaching, particularly in primary and secondary schools
• application of the Code in wildlife and field research
• management of unexpected adverse events
• use of non-human primates
• rehoming of animals, particularly dogs and cats, at the end of a project
• animal-based studies in Aboriginal and Torries Strait Islander communities
• editorial matters including consistency and reducing repetition.

Note: Responses to the survey will only be accepted via this online portal.

A Word version of the questions as they appear in the survey is available in the 'Related documents' section below. This document can be used if you would like to prepare your feedback offline or collate information from multiple areas within your institution, ahead of lodging your feedback via this online portal.

Privacy Collection Notice

Your response to this survey will be kept confidential and used by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHRMC) solely to inform the review of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. De-identified personal information may be used in our analysis of responses.

By completing the survey, you are acknowledging that information you provide will be stored on an online service hosted in secure facilities in Australia and in alignment with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework. NHMRC will not disclose your information to any third party without your consent.  Further information, including how to access the personal information collected by us, complain about NHMRC’s handling of your personal information, or how to apply for it to be corrected, can be found in the NHMRC Privacy Policy.

Why your views matter

Your feedback in response to this survey will help inform the development of the draft 9^th edition of the Code. You will have further opportunity for input during the public consultation planned for the second half of 2026.