engaged by a licence holder to use animals in research or teaching. Animal Research programs cannot be carried out without the approval of an ethics committee. The Act is enforced by inspectors and authorised veterinary surgeons. Northern Territory The Animal Welfare Act , which commenced in March 2000, is the legislation governing animal welfare in the Northern Territory. Research on animals is regulated in the Northern Territory by Section 42 of the Act. In order to conduct animal research, the applicant must be licensed by the Minister for Local Government. A licence may be subject to conditions in relation to: use of animals in the teaching or research welfare of the animals used in or bred for the teaching or research facilities and equipment relevant to the use or breeding of animals in the course of the teaching or research adoption of a specific code of practice. The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, an appointed animal welfare body with representatives from industry, academia, government and animal welfare groups, provides advice on animal research issues to the Minister. Animal welfare inspectors and officers are appointed under the Act, and include members of the Northern Territory Police Force, the Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources stock inspectors and veterinarians.