Legislation
There are laws which govern the use of animals in research, teaching and product testing in each Australian state.
Although there is some variation in the statutory requirements of each state, the Australian Code of Practice for Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, sets out the common framework of the guiding principles.
Relevant NSW legislation
- Animal Research Act 1985
- Animal Research Act Regulation 2010
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979
- The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 2006
- The Non-Indigenous Animals Act 1987
- The Non-Indigenous Animals Regulation 2006
- The Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986
- The Exhibited Animals Protection Regulation 2010
Wildlife legislation
In addition to the above legislation for vertebrates and cephalpods, in New South Wales, all native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians (including threatened species) are protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 No 80.
Threatened species also have their habitat protected under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 No 101.
Licenses
In addition to the requirements under the http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/viewtop/inforce/act+123+1985+FIRST+0+N/||NSW Animal Research Act, 1985 No 123]] scientific licenses are required to undertake an activity for scientific, educational or conservation purposes that is likely to harm or otherwise adverse impact on any protected/threatened animals or plants under the National Parks and Wildlife Act. Licenses can be obtained from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Further information
See also: Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) and its Regulations 2000
The importation of specimens or live animals requires approval from the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
For further information and advice about requirements in NSW, including specific policies and guidelines, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
For further information advice about importing live animals and reproductive materials to Australia, visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Biosecurity website.