Aboriginal Representative Member, Justice Human Research Ethics Committee

Role Length: Sessional, 3 years Meetings: Bimonthly, Not specified Location: Melbourne CBD, online or another location Salary: Sessional rates

About the board

The Justice Human Research Ethics Committee (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 Health and Medical Research Council's National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (National Statement, 2025).

Specifically, the Committee undertakes ethical reviews of research or evaluation proposals conducted by or for the Department of Justice and Community Safety or otherwise carried out under its auspices and protects the welfare and rights of participants in research.

The Committee meets eight times a year.

About the role

The Committee comprises a multi-disciplinary membership, led by the Chair and assisted by the Committee Secretariat. Membership of the Committee conforms to the requirements of the National Statement and comprises:

- Members in the following categories:

- At least two community members

- Person with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care, counselling or treatment of others, such as nurse or allied health professional; and

- Person with a pastoral care role in the community, such as an Aboriginal elder, or a minister of religion;

- At least two people with current research experience that is relevant to research proposals being considered at the meetings;

- Where possible an Aboriginal representative member

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under ‘special measures’ of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

Who we're looking for

As our ideal candidate you will:

- be familiar with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC, 2023) and other guidelines relevant to the review of specific research proposals

- be able to commit to prepare for, and attend, eight Committee meetings per annum as well as an annual professional development day

- understand the relevant risks and benefits of research proposals and be able to assess how well risks are addressed in any proposed mitigation measures

- be able to determine whether a given research proposal meets the requirements of the National Statement

- be willing to declare any potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, in respect of research proposals put before the Committee

- where unable to attend a meeting (and where practicable), communicate any opinions on agenda items so that these may be tabled at that meeting.

- have excellent knowledge of Aboriginal culture and society and understanding of historical and contemporary issues relating to Aboriginal Victorians.

- bring strong knowledge of, and demonstrated experience, working with Aboriginal communities and advisory groups, including sophisticated and culturally aware stakeholder engagement.

- Experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and knowledge systems.

What you need to apply

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government agencies reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. Applications from people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTIQA+ people, people with experience of the justice system and people living in rural and regional Victoria.

You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQA+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less. If you identify as any of the aforementioned, we welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.

The Victorian Government’s Women on Boards commitment has been in effect since 2015 and is ensuring that all public boards have no less than 50 per cent women. In 2021, 55 per cent of board seats are held by women, compared to 39 per cent six years ago

How to apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter addressing the key selection criteria. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats. #DJCS

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-appointment checks, which may include national police checks and misconduct screening.

If you would like help understanding this document or would like to receive it in another format phone 9136 2100, using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or email ethics@justice.vic.gov.au

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