Consultation activities for the review of the Code

Stakeholders will have an opportunity to be involved in the review through public consultations. Stakeholders include investigators, animal carers, institutions, animal ethics committee members, veterinarians, peak bodies, animal advocacy groups, funders, government, and members of the Australian community.

Consultation and engagement will also occur through membership of relevant advisory committees.

Survey

NHMRC conducted a short survey about the 8th edition of the Code from 2 December 2025 to 16 February 2026. The aim of the survey was to assist with the identification of issues for consideration during the review. A summary report outlining the major outcomes is available in the Downloads section below.

Issues

A range of issues have been identified for consideration during the review. These have been identified through consultation with the sector, community and our advisory committees. They include (in no particular order):

• 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.