The Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand in July 1993 requested the Sub-Committee on Animal Welfare to undertake a review process in relation to an Australian policy for the housing of laying hens. This request was driven by a need to address the issue and its animal welfare aspects at the national level, and to consider community views as well as the scientific and commercial aspects of the problem. A working group was set up with members from a wide range of interests. There were animal welfarists, animal scientists, behaviourists, veterinarians and representatives of the Australian egg industry. The lengthy and detailed report was published in December 1994. It is essentially a critically argued account of the interplay of the various scientific, ethical, social and economic factors which impinge on the real and perceived welfare of laying hens. It does largely take account of Australian conditions but the approaches to the welfare of layer hens elsewhere in the world are considered in detail. The conclusions which are numerous and in most cases realistic, are applicable to most situations under which egg laying poultry are kept and used. This authoritative report is essential background reading for all who are seriously interested in the welfare of the layer hen.