Selection criteria for membership
The Animal Ethics Committee is made up of 4 categories of membership with expertise in veterinary medicine, wildlife research, animal welfare and lay members who represent the views of the broader community and a chairperson. Appointments to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's Animal Ethics Committee are for a 3-year term with an option for a second 3-year term.
Membership criteria are set down by Section 2.2.4 of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th Edition 2013 (NHMRC 2013) (the code).
The criteria for Category A membership are:
- qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia
- experience relevant to the department’s activities or the ability to acquire relevant knowledge.
The criteria for Category C membership are:
- demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals
- not employed by or otherwise associated with* the department
- not currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes
- while not representing an animal welfare organisation, the candidate should, where possible, be selected on the basis of active membership of, and endorsement by, such an organisation.
Veterinarians with specific animal welfare interest and experience may meet the requirements of Category C.
*The code does not define what constitutes 'otherwise associated with' the department, and a judgement on this may be required to be made. As a guide, any possible association, such as previous employment by the department, or a relative employed by the department, would be considered to preclude a person from Category C membership.
Meeting schedule and workload
Meeting dates are set on an annual basis. There are 8 scheduled Animal Ethics Committee meetings of the committee each year. An executive committee meeting may be held one week before an Animal Ethics Committee meeting. It is important that members can commit to attending most meetings, as a quorum is required for decisions to be enacted.
Animal Ethics Committee meetings are held on Tuesdays commencing at 10 am online or occasionally at government offices in New South Wales. Meetings usually conclude by 3 pm, but occasionally may take longer.
Additional meetings are occasionally held and travel to research locations in regional New South Wales is sometimes offered.
Members must become familiar with the relevant animal research legislation and guidelines. The department provides support to assist this process. Members are expected to fully familiarise themselves with all project applications and other reading material before each meeting.
Occasionally, reviewing material outside of scheduled meetings may be necessary, so an email response may be required at short notice.
Appointment fees
A meeting preparation and sitting fee of $440 (2 days) is paid for Animal Ethics Committee meetings. A sitting fee of $120 (half day) is paid for executive meetings.
For any meetings or inspections requiring travel, a sitting fee of $220 is paid plus transport to and from meetings, flights, or accommodation costs. The department will provide catering or reimburse food costs for these meetings or inspections.
How to apply
Members of the public are invited to submit a short Expression of Interest and CV by email to the Senior Team Leader, Animal Research Ethics team (details below) by 5 March 2024. This is to demonstrate how you fulfil the requirements set out above.
All applications are subject to review, which may take several months. All applicants will be advised of the outcome once the review and appointment have been finalised.
For more information about the Animal Ethics Committee or to submit an Expression of Interest and CV contact aec@environment.nsw.gov.au.
You can also apply at these locations: