Labour moving to ban animal testing for cosmetics in Australia – Image courtesy News.com.au.

Labor has announced that it is introducing a private member’s bill into Parliament this week to ban the testing of cosmetics on animals as well as the importation of any cosmetic products tested on animals. There is currently no legislation preventing Australian companies from performing such testing.  

The move to ban animal testing has support. In 2014 the Panel made oral and written submissions to the national ALP Cosmetics & Animal Testing Policy Consultation in support of a national ban. During the consultation process, more than 13,000 people made submissions. Of those, more than 90 per cent supported a ban on animal testing.

“It’s clear that the vast majority of Australians don’t believe animals should suffer for better lipstick or cleanser,” Labor said in a statement released on Sunday.