DCCEEW Animal Ethics Committee membership

All research and teaching activities involving live non-human vertebrates and cephalopods in NSW are regulated by legislation which aims to ensure that research and teaching projects involving animals are conducted ethically and with full regard to the welfare of animals. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) is responsible for reviewing, approving and monitoring all animal research and teaching activities undertaken by DCCEEW staff.

The DCCEEW AEC oversees a range of projects that involve capture and handling of wildlife and projects that use observational techniques (such as bird surveys, spotlighting or remotely operated cameras). The overall purpose of research and education at the department is to improve knowledge and management of native and introduced fauna in the landscape of NSW. Committee members are required to assess project applications by balancing the potential benefits to humans, animals or the environment with the potential impacts on the wellbeing of the animals involved.

The AEC is made up of four categories of membership with expertise in veterinary medicine, wildlife research, animal welfare and lay members who represent the views of the broader community.

Membership criteria for each category are outlined in Section 2.2.4 of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (NHMRC 2013) (the Code).

The criteria for a Category A (veterinarian) member are:

a person with qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia, and with experience relevant to the institution’s activities or ability to acquire relevant knowledge.

The DCCEEW AEC meets at least eight times per year. Meetings are usually held on Tuesday’s commencing at 10:00am, online via Microsoft Teams (or occasionally in a hybrid format from government offices, depending on member availability). Meetings usually end by 3:00pm.

Members are expected to familiarise themselves with project applications and other reading material prior to each meeting.

Occasionally, AEC business may need to be addressed outside of scheduled meetings so an email response or video/tele-conference may be required at short notice.

Travel to inspect research sites and animal holding facilities is offered throughout the year.

AEC members receive sitting fees for AEC meetings and pre-reading time, according to the Classification and Renumeration Framework for NSW Government Boards and Committees.

Any costs associated with essential travel to site inspections are reimbursed to members by the department.

A written expression of interest is invited from suitably qualified persons. The expression of interest must demonstrate how the above criteria are met and a short curriculum vitae must be provided.

The Category A membership expression of interest must include:

• An explanation of why you are interested in serving on an AEC
• Evidence of qualifications in veterinary science that are recognised for registration as a veterinary surgeon in Australia
• Demonstrated experience in wildlife veterinary medicine and research (i.e., experience relevant to this institution’s activities) or evidence of your ability to acquire relevant knowledge.

Expressions of interest will be accepted by email to aec@dcceew.nsw.gov.au until 5:00pm on Friday the 4^th of September 2026.

Appointments to the DCCEEW AEC are made by the Deputy Secretary of the department and must be notified to the Animal Research Review Panel, via the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Appointment to the AEC will be for a three-year term, with the potential for a second term being offered.

For more information about the DCCEEW AEC, including its Terms of Reference and other relevant links, visit the department’s AEC webpage.

For any questions or to submit your expression of interest, please contact aec@dcceew.nsw.gov.au.

Advertised: 20 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 04 Sep 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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