Under the Australian Federal parliament legislation, research has been permitted on human pre-implantation embryos generated after assisted conception treatments (e.g. IVF treatment). This includes the development of human embryonic stem cell lines. It also permits the generation of human somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) or cloned embryos, in order to develop disease-specific or autologous human cell lines.

The legislation states that women who donate oocytes for such research cannot be financially reimbursed. Use of non-human animal eggs to make human SCNT cell lines is prohibited. The development of cloned embryos for reproduction is also prohibited. Use of human embryonic stem cell lines themselves are not governed by this legislation. Imported human SCNT cell lines must have been derived using ethical guidelines compliant with Australian laws. There are no regulations overseeing generation of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, although if they progressed as a therapy, like other therapeutic cells the Therapeutic Goods Administration would oversee their use.

The Australian parliamentary system requires each state and territory to form its own legislation. To date, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory, have passed laws that mirror the Federal Act governing human embryo research and cloning. The South Australian legislation is still in debate and Western Australia has not followed the Federal parliament's example and does not allow any type of human cloning. Historically, some states within Australia have strict regulations for assisted conception practices and embryo research. They have guidelines about access to treatment as well as donation of gametes. The state of Victoria was one of the first places in the world to impose strict regulations on assisted conception therapies. Other states and territories have not imposed regulations

National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is Australia's peak body for supporting health and medical research. Their role includes developing health advice for the Australian community, health professionals and governments and for providing advice on ethical behaviour in health care and in the conduct of health and medical research.

The Human Embryo Research and Cloning Act is overseen by NHMRC. The NHMRC issues licences to researchers and oversees their compliance with the Act.

Australian Research Council

The Australian Research Council (ARC) is a statutory authority within the Australian Government's Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (IISR) portfolio. Its mission is to advance Australia's research excellence to be globally competitive and deliver benefits to the community. 

DIISR

The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) strives as a key priority to encourage the sustainable growth of Australian industries by developing a national innovation system that drives knowledge creation, cutting edge science and research, international competitiveness and greater productivity.  The Department is committed to developing policies and delivering programs, in partnership with stakeholders, to provide lasting economic benefits ensuring Australia's competitive future. 

National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

NHMRC is Australia's peak body for supporting health and medical research; for developing health advice for the Australian community, health professionals and governments; and for providing advice on ethical behaviour in health care and in the conduct of health and medical research.

The Human Embryo Research and Cloning Act is overseen by NHMRC. The NHMRC issues licences to researchers and oversees their compliance with the Act.

Department of Health

The Department of Health and Ageing has a diverse set of responsibilities, but throughout there is a common purpose, which is reflected in their vision statement: Better health and active ageing for all Australians. They aim to achieve their vision through strengthening evidence-based policy advising, improving program management, research, regulation and partnerships with other government agencies, consumers and stakeholders. 

Research Societies and Networks

The International Consortium of Stem Cell Networks

The ICSCN is a 'network of networks' that aims to unify international efforts to accelerate opportunities to make stem cell therapy qa reality for a broad range of debilitating diseases.

Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research

The ASSCR is the foremost stem cell society in Australia and New Zealand that aims to promote the discipline of stem cell biology and therapies, to promote education and research and to disseminate scientific information. 

The NSW Stem Cell Network

The NSW Stem Cell Network is a professional community with an interest in both adult and embryonic stem cells. It encompasses the science, medicine, ethics, law, business and public awareness.

National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

The NHMRC provides funding for all areas of research relevant to human health and wellbeing. All researchers in Australia can apply for funding, through schemes ranging from scholarships through to large research programs.

National Competitive Grants Program

The Australian Research Council funds research and researchers under the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) as part of its commitment to nurturing the creative abilities and skills of Australia's most promising researchers.

Australian Stem Cell Centre

The Australian Stem Cell Centre is a Category 1 Funding Agency on the Australian Grants register.

Research funding is provided in the areas of fundamental stem cell research, therapeutic stem cell research aligned with the Therapeutic Programs of the ASCC, and for the provision of access to technologies by ASCC-funded researchers (Enabling Technology grants).