ANIMAL TESTING

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (15:11): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation a question about animal testing in Adelaide universities.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: Actually, I have no brief explanation. I will simply ask the minister: will he undertake to report to this council on the current status of animal testing within our universities and assure this council that the highest levels of animal welfare are currently being met?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:12): I thank the honourable member for her most excellent question.

The Hon. G.E. Gago: And the explanation.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: And the explanation. I am not aware that I actually have authority over the animal testing that goes on in the university. I may do. I understand that each university institution has its own animal ethics committee. I would expect that they would undertake their business in accordance with strict guidelines, perhaps laid down by the NHMRC, but I will undertake to research that for the honourable member and come back with a response at a later date.