I don’t usually discuss politics – neither of the major parties in Australia gave me cause to vote for them in our last election. So I am sharing this not through any political inclination, but because of the importance of the subject matter. This information is taken directly from the website of one of the major parties. I have copied it verbatim because I think it’s important enough to do that, and I’m not sure how many people will click through.

People talk about not wanting to use cosmetics products tested on animals. Some people actually do something about it. My clever girlfriend started her own website. If you think about it or talk about it, now is the time to turn those thoughts and words into action. It may take you five minutes or it may take you an hour. I don’t think it matters if you have a lot to say, or a little to say, what matters is that you take the time to say it.

Be a voice for the voiceless. They deserve that much. At least.

Last year, Labor made a commitment to run a national consultation on phasing out the importation, manufacture, sale and advertising of cosmetics or cosmetic ingredients tested on animals. We would like to invite you to participate in this consultation.

Any Australian can be a part of the consultation process.

Written submissions are due by 29 August 2014. You can structure your submission in any way you wish, however the Committee is particularly concerned with the following questions:

1. Should the sale and manufacture of cosmetics tested on animals be banned in Australia? Why or why not?
2. What would be most effective and efficient way of banning these practices?
3. What changes would need to be made by industry and government to comply with bans?
4. How would such bans be policed?
5. Are there any additional implications we should be aware of:
   1. For industry?
   2. For government?
   3. For the community?
6. What would be a realistic timeframe for compliance?
7. Is there anything else you would like the subcommittee to take into consideration when thinking through this issue?

If you have attachments or otherwise cannot use the form online, please email your submission to cosmeticstestingpublicsubmission@australianlabor.com.au.