Expressions of Interest Animal Ethics Committee

**Work type**:Casual

The Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 requires that institutions conducting research and teaching using animals comply with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (8th edition, 2013). The Latrobe University Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) oversees the University’s care and use of animals for scientific purposes to safeguard the welfare of animals used for scientific purpose, to minimize harm or unjust use of animals, and to ensure the use of animals has scientific or educational merit.

An AEC must comprise of at least one person from each of four categories of membership:

- **Category A**—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 the ability to acquire relevant knowledge.
- **Category B—**a suitably qualified person with substantial and recent experience in the use of animals for scientific purposes relevant to the institution and the business of the AEC.
- **Category C**—a person with demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals, who is not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution, and who is not currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes. Veterinarians with specific animal welfare interest and experience may meet the requirements of this category. While not representing an animal welfare organisation, the person should, where possible, be selected on the basis of active membership of, and endorsement by, such an organisation.
- **Category D**—a person not employed by or otherwise associated with the institution and who has never been involved in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in their employment or beyond their undergraduate education.

**We are seeking expressions of interest for a Category D (Community) member**for the La Trobe University Animal Ethics Committee.

**A Category D member must**:

- Be external to La Trobe University.
- Have never been involved in the care and use of animals in scientific or teaching activities, either in your employment or beyond your undergraduate education.
- Be able to bring a completely independent view to the AEC and must not fit the requirements of any other category.
- Be able to interpret legislation.

**In this position you will be required to**:

- Attend 11 scheduled AEC meetings in the calendar year and complete out-of-session reviews as required.
- Ensure that any comments submitted about a project are relevant to The Code and to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations.
- Participate in annual inspections of AEC approved facilities, including regional campuses.
- Maintain confidentiality of the committee’s proceedings. All members are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement prior to commencement of duties for the committee.

**Other points to note**:

- Induction training is provided to all new members prior to their commencement on the Committee.
- Meetings are held monthly on Thursday (9:30 am to 2.30pm), at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus.
- Under section 2.2.19 of the Australian Code you will receive an appropriate reimbursement for personal expenses incurred in carrying out AEC activities and/or payment of an allowance.
- All members are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement prior to commencement of duties for the committee.

**Enquires**

**Please submit your enquiry by Monday, the 4th of August, 2025.