The Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Wombats (the Code) is designed for everyone involved in the activity of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wombats. It has been developed to protect the welfare of wombats in care and to contribute to the conservation of wild wombat populations. The Code is designed to be read in conjunction with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Protected Fauna (General Code).

While in the past wildlife groups have focused on raising orphan wombats, the complexity of threats facing wombats now requires a more holistic, proactive approach to care practices. Wombat populations are threatened by habitat loss, competition with domestic and invasive grazing species, collisions with cars, human–wombat conflict and disease.

The Code is neither a complete manual on animal husbandry, nor a static document and must be implemented by a person who has been trained in accordance with the enclosed standards. It will be periodically reviewed to take into account new knowledge in animal physiology and behaviour, technological advances, developments in standards of animal welfare and changing community attitudes and expectations about the humane treatment of wombats. OEH will consult with licence holders regarding potential changes to the Code and give written notice when the Code is superseded.