To help promote open and transparent debate on the sensitive issue of embryonic stem cell research I have decided to release a report which my department commissioned on the Lockhart Review.
The report was undertaken by mpconsulting who have advised the Australian Government on this issue periodically since 2001.
As I announced in June, the Australian Government was not disposed to make any changes to the existing national legislative framework for research involving human embryos. However, as I have already indicated, Coalition Members and Senators will be able to exercise a free vote should legislation on this issue be introduced into Parliament.
Releasing the mpconsulting report will help ensure that Members of Parliament and the wider public have access to all the information that has been available to the Government.
The mpconsulting report can be accessed on the website of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet at www.dpmc.gov.au/publications/commissioned_reports.cfm