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 put before it for ethical review according to its criteria for referral and the ethical standards set out 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 former 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.

Recruitment is underway for the following membership categories:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community member;
• Community member or consumer;
• Persons with experience in pastoral care, such as minister of religion or community elder;
• Persons with knowledge and experience in the professional care of people;
• Philosopher (person with expertise in moral deliberation);
• Researchers familiar with the type of applications routinely considered by the Committee

The Committee meets eight times a year. For more information, see the Human Research Ethics Committee webpage on the Department of Health website.

A position description is attached.