Australian cloning laws under review

An independent committee has been set up to review Australia's human cloning and embryo research laws. Human cloning was banned in 2002 and strict controls were placed on the use of human embryos in research. Only surplus IVF embryos can be used for research.

However, scientists say it is vital that the laws are amended to ensure that Australia does not fall behind other countries in cutting edge research. They want Australia's laws brought into line with Britain's, which allows therapeutic cloning for research purposes subject to strict licensing arrangements. 'I think it's totally vital [that the laws be relaxed], because we can help those patients who want to be a part of it,' said Alan Trounson, director of the Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories in Melbourne.

The six-person committee is chaired by a former Federal Judge, John Lockhart, and is comprised of ethicists, medical experts and lawyers. They will receive public submissions and will report to the Australian parliament in December.

Lockhart told The Australian newspaper that he was prepared for a passionate debate. 'I'm sure there will be a lot of views expressed on this, and I hope there are - because it's a matter of great importance to the community,' he said.

Julie Bishop, the Federal Minister for Ageing who has portfolio responsibility for the legislation, attended the committee's first meeting on Monday and said that community opinion will be a major consideration, and that the government will take the committee's recommendations seriously. 'The terms of reference require the committee to look at advances in technology, to look at changes in community expectations - if any, and to report to us,' she told ABC news.

The Catholic Church has already signalled that it will oppose any further relaxation of the cloning laws. 'We think even the status quo has major problems...because it still allows the destruction of embryos for experimental purposes,' said a spokesman for the Sydney archdiocese.