Member Human Research Ethics Committee

The Department of Health's (DH) Human Research Ethics Committee (the Committee) reviews research proposals against the ethical principles of the National Health and Medical Research Council's National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (National Statement). These reviews ensure that the interests of research participants are protected, and that research is conducted to appropriate ethical standards.

The Committee provides robust and independent consideration of research applications submitted to it for ethical review according to its criteria for referral and the ethical standards in the National Statement.

Specifically, the Committee undertakes ethical reviews of research proposals conducted or commissioned by DH or otherwise carried out under its auspices. The Committee also considers proposals in the portfolios of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, including child protection, prevention of family violence, housing, disability, ageing and carers.

The Committee thereby ensures that governmental research is conducted to appropriate ethical standards that protect the interests and vulnerabilities of research participants and fosters transparent and accountable research.

The role of the Committee is to:

• Consider the ethical implications of research proposals submitted to it for review
• Evaluate the ethical conduct of research involving humans according to the National Statement and Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research (Australian Code, 2018)
• Comply with all guidelines and legislation relevant to research proposals considered
• Provide advice on matters of an ethical nature, as required by the Secretary of the Department of Health (the Secretary)
• Provide a report annually to the Secretary

Lived or professional experience and/or interest specific to the following vacant categories of membership:

• researcher (preferably expertise in epidemiology, public health)
• professional care of people, and
• lawyer.

All expressions of interest must be submitted through www.boards.vic.gov.au and must include a current curriculum vitae. Reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process can be provided upon request.

Please contact Timothy Ore timothy.ore@health.vic.gov.au if you require any further assistance or would like additional information.

Expressions of interest must be lodged by 11:59pm on Tuesday 25 March 2025