At the Animal Justice Party (AJP QLD), we believe that animal experimentation is cruel, outdated, and often scientifically ineffective. Animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, fear, and distress, and they deserve protection, respect, and humane treatment. Millions of animals are still used in research, teaching, and testing each year, often in procedures that cause suffering and are rarely predictive of human outcomes. We advocate for a rapid phase-out of all animal experimentation and the transition to modern, human-relevant alternatives.

For more about the AJPs position, see our national website - https://www.animaljusticeparty.org/animal_experimentation 

The Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code) sets the rules for how animals are used in research, teaching and testing in every state and territory. 

The NHMRC Code Review

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is currently reviewing it to ensure it reflects current science and community expectations about animal welfare.

Survey open until 16 February 2026

The NHMRC has released a public survey seeking feedback on the Code review, and it closes 16 Feb 2026. This is one of the few opportunities for members of the public to directly influence how animal research is governed in Australia.

We encourage AJP supporters and the broader community to complete the survey and advocate for real reform that reflects contemporary ethical standards and scientific progress.

How you can help - Complete the NHMRC survey now


📣 How to complete the survey

When you go to the survey, you may see questions like:

1. Are you responding as an individual or on behalf of an institution?
   ➡️ As an individual
2. What type of institution or organisation are you associated with?
   ➡️ Not applicable
3. What is the name of your institution?
   ➡️ Leave blank
4. What best describes you or your role?
   ➡️ Other — then specify “Member of the Australian community / AJP supporter”
5. Do you currently use, or have you recently used animals for scientific purposes?
   ➡️ No

These are the answers recommended for most members of the public.

Suggested responses to key survey questions

Below are example responses you can adapt - these reflect AJP values and would help push the Code towards protections that prioritise animal wellbeing:

Q: What are the critical issues that should be addressed in the review of the Code?

The Code must prioritise the welfare, protection, and rights of all animals used in research, teaching, and testing. It should include a national plan to phase out all animal experimentation, with clear timelines and measurable milestones. Experiments that cause pain, distress, or suffering must be prohibited, and non-animal methods should be used wherever scientifically possible. Full transparency and public reporting of animal use, including species, procedures, and outcomes, is essential. Animals currently excluded from protection where evidence of sentience exists must be included. Ethical oversight must involve independent review and enforceable consequences, rather than relying solely on institutional self-regulation.

Q: Are there any critical gaps in the guidance provided in the Code?

The current Code fails to adequately prioritise replacement of animal use, lacks measurable targets for reducing harm, and does not ensure full transparency. Independent oversight is limited, and animals continue to suffer unnecessarily. The Code must be strengthened to reflect modern ethical expectations and protect all sentient animals.

Q: What approaches used in the Code work well?

 While the framework rightly emphasises ethical review and animal wellbeing, it needs to go further and faster in phase‑out planning and transparency.

Q: What approaches in the Code do not work well?

The reliance on self‑regulation by institutions and ethics committees without independent oversight leads to inconsistent application and undermines public trust.

Q: Other comments

 Policies globally are moving away from animal experimentation. Australia should lead with ambitious, measurable goals to significantly reduce and ultimately end animal use in science.

Why your voice matters

The NHMRC Code review is a rare chance to influence how animal research is governed in Australia. Currently, millions of animals can be used for experiments each year with limited public transparency, and the community has very little say in how those decisions are made. Responding to the survey helps show that public values have changed and that we expect:

• Ethical standards that go beyond minimal welfare compliance
• A clear shift to non‑animal research methods
• Transparency and accountability in scientific practice

This isn’t just about rules on paper, it’s about how we, as a society, treat animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Have Your Say - Survey Closes 16 Feb

👉 Complete the NHMRC Code Review survey before 16 February 2026
Your input can help push for real, humane reform in how science is conducted and ensure that animal wellbeing is prioritised.

Complete the NHMRC survey now - Survey: Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes - NHMRC consultation hub - Citizen Space