The current review of the Australian code of practice for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (Code of Practice) is being organised through the Office of NHMRC. The intent of the review is to:
- ensure that the Code of Practice continues to be a relevant, accurate and applicable guide;
- focus the content of the Code of Practice on ethical principles and best-practice guidance;
- reflect the need for best-practice guidance to be principles-based and evidence-informed;
- consider how the Guidelines to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes: The assessment and alleviation of pain and distress in research animals (2008) could supplement the Code of Practice as a reference document for best practice guidelines; and
- be aware of, and take into account, international views.
The processes followed for the initial phases of the review have involved a systematic and extensive collection of advice from a broad range of stakeholders.
An initial targeted consultation process was undertaken to identify potential issues and challenges with the Code. Stakeholders consulted in this initial phase included researchers, research institutions, universities, Animals Ethics Committees, relevant government departments and animal welfare organisations. Code Writing Groups were established to consider the submissions received during the targeted consultation phase, and to provide detailed advice on the content and structure of specific sections of the Code of Practice.
In preparation for public consultation, advice was sought from the Code Reference Group, an advisory group to NHMRC which includes representatives from the current endorsers of the Code of Practice (CSIRO, Universities Australia and Australian Research Council), relevant Commonwealth Departments, all State and Territory jurisdictions, and animal welfare organisations. The NHMRC Animal Welfare Committee provided advice and oversight throughout the process. Prior to its release for open public consultation, the draft revised Code of Practice was further considered by the NHMRC Research Committee and Council.
Public consultation: The full public consultation process commenced on 4 October 2011 and concluded on 2 December 2011. Information regarding this public consultation can be found on the NHMRC Public Consultation Archive. Commencement of this public consultation was advertised as broadly as possible, via email to all stakeholders, to individuals who had expressed an interest, via NHMRC Tracker, in The Australian newspaper, and in presentations to meetings and conferences when invited to do so. In seeking comments on the proposed revisions, individuals and groups were also invited to draw this opportunity to the attention of all other interested persons.
Process following public consultation: NHMRC and its relevant advisory groups and committees are now considering all submissions received during public consultation. Copies of the submissions will be made publically available in due course. Provided that the outcomes of the public consultation do not result in significant changes to the consultation draft Code of Practice, it is anticipated that the revised edition of the Code of Practice will be available in late 2012 or early 2013.
Please contact ethics@nhmrc.gov.au if you need further information.