Does research using gm-animals requires independent review and assessment by the aec and lbc

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 requires that persons conducting research using animals comply with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition 2013 (the Australian code).

Licence holders must nominate an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) to oversee the organsation's care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

The Role of an AEC

The primary responsibility of AECs is to ensure that all care and use of animals is conducted in compliance with the Australian code.

An AECs key role is to consider whether the potential effects on the well-being of the animals used for science is justified by the potential benefits to humans, animals or the environment. They are concerned with the well-being of animals before, during, and after a project, including animals kept for breeding the research animals.

The AEC must:

• review applications for:
  • new projects
  • proposed modifications to approved projects
  • activities applicable to breeding programs
  • activities associated with the care and management of animals in facilities.
• conduct follow-up review of approved projects and activities
• monitor the care and use of animals, including housing conditions, practices, and procedures involved in the care of animals in facilities
• take appropriate actions regarding non-compliance and unexpected adverse events
• approve guidelines for the care and use of animals on behalf of the institution
• provide advice and recommendations to the institution regarding the care and use of animals
• report on its operations to the institution.

Animal Welfare Victoria guidelines assist AEC members in carrying out their duties.

AEC membership

In accordance with the section 2.2.4 of the Australian code, an AEC must comprise at least 4 persons, 1 from each of the following categories:

• 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. This must include possession of a higher degree in research or equivalent experience. If the business of the AEC relates to the use of animals for teaching only, a teacher with substantial and recent experience may be appointed.
• 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. Category D members should be viewed by the wider community as bringing a completely independent view to the AEC, and must not fit the requirements of any other category.

Mandatory training for AEC members

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019 (POCTA Regs) requires mandatory training for AEC members in their obligations and responsibilities under the Australian code.

In accordance with regulation 144 of the POCTA Regs:

• the Minister for Agriculture may approve Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) member training courses by notice in the Government Gazette, and
• completion of an approved training course is required for all AEC members appointed (but not reappointed) to a committee on or after 14 December 2019, prior to or within 6 months of their appointment.

Animal Welfare Victoria provides an approved course for AEC members. For more information please contact the licensing officer at

Organisations interested in developing an AEC member training course for Ministerial approval should contact   

Page last updated: 20 Jun 2022

Page revised: March 2020

Functions of Animal Ethics Committees

Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) provide avenues for public participation in the regulation of animal research.

AECs are responsible for approving and monitoring research within Accredited Animal Research Establishments, including carrying out inspections of animals and facilities.

No animal research may be carried out without AEC approval. AECs must consider and evaluate applications to conduct research on the basis of the researchers’ responses to a comprehensive set of questions, including their justification for the research, its likely impact on the animals, and procedures for preventing or alleviating pain and distress.

On behalf of the establishment, AECs have the power to stop inappropriate research and to discipline researchers by withdrawing their research approvals. They can require that adequate care, including emergency care, is provided for animals. They also provide guidance and support to researchers on matters relevant to animal welfare, through means such as the preparation of guidelines and dissemination of relevant scientific literature.

AECs are responsible for advising establishments on the changes to physical facilities that should be made to provide for the needs of the animals used.

Animal Ethics Committee membership

The membership and duties of AECs are laid down in the Animal Research Act 1985 and in the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, which also provides guidance on how AECs should operate. Committee membership must include members as follows:

• Category A: a veterinarian
• Category B: an animal researcher
• Category C: a person with a demonstrated commitment to animal welfare who is not involved with the establishment, animal research or the supply of animals for research
• Category D: an independent person who does not fit the requirements of the other categories, is not associated with the establishment and who has never been involved in the use of animals for research.

The Code states that more than one person may be appointed to each category and, if an AEC has more than four members, categories C plus D should represent no less than one-third of the members.

The criteria used by the Animal Research Review Panel for assessment of AEC membership are documented in  Panel Policy 9: Criteria for the Assessment of Animal Ethics Committee Membership . In examining applications from establishments for accreditation as animal research establishments, the memberships of AECs are assessed to ensure they are of acceptable composition. The Panel also assesses, and makes recommendations to the Secretary, on the suitability of all new appointments to AECs. All new AEC appointments must be approved by the Secretary. During site inspections, the Panel assesses the operation of the AECs.

Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) membership notification

Use this form to apply or notify changes to an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) membership.

It is a requirements for all accredited research establishments and licenced animal suppliers to notify the Department within 30 days after a change in membership of their animal ethics committee.

This form must be completed online (you cannot print and post or email).

For more information please visit www.animalethics.org.au.

What is animal ethics?

Animal ethics at Deakin covers the care and use of animals for research and teaching purposes. In Victoria, the use of animals for scientific procedures is permitted and regulated under Part 3 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and Part 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019.

It is the legal responsibility of institutions that conduct research involving animals to comply with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code).

Institutions must also establish an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) to oversee the conduct of the institution's research activities. Staff or students at Deakin who intend to use animals for research or teaching must obtain approval from the AEC prior to commencing any work.

Download the Code

Deakin Animal Ethics Committee

Deakin has two Animal Ethics Committees. On behalf of the university, they are responsible for ensuring all activities relating to the care and use of animals is conducted in compliance with the Code.

The two Animal Ethics Committees are:

• Animal Ethics Committee Laboratory – Geelong (AECL-G)
• Animal Ethics Committee Wildlife – Burwood (AECW-B)

The primary role of the AECs are to:

• review applications to ensure the use of animals is justified
• ensure the welfare of animals is provided for
• ensure the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement (the 3Rs) have been incorporated.

Restricted information for committee members

Deakin AEC terms of reference 

Each Deakin AEC functions independently, conducting business separately and in accordance with its responsibilities under Section 2.3 of the Code.

In accordance with the Code, an AEC must comprise at least four persons, including one from each of the following categories:

• Category A – Veterinary surgeon with experience relevant to the activities of the institution.
• Category B – Scientist or teacher with substantial recent experience in animal-based research or teaching.
• 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 involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
• Category D – Layperson who has never engaged in the use of animals for scientific purposes beyond their undergraduate education and who is independent of the institution.

Download Deakin's AEC terms of reference

AEC training courses

Researchers who plan to use animals for scientific purposes must be aware of and accept their responsibilities in accordance with the Code, and be competent in performing procedures prior to AEC approval.

Deakin offers the following training for those using animals in research and teaching.

Animal use in research and teaching is governed by Victorian legislation. This session introduces staff and students to their responsibilities under the legislation. 

This part of the AEC training course is compulsory for all staff and students who are listed on an animal ethics application and who intend to use live animals in their research or teaching at Deakin.

Knowledge of animal husbandry and the acquisition of practical skills are essential for good animal welfare. 

This session aims to introduce staff and students to the principles of laboratory rodent care and use. It is compulsory for researchers undertaking research involving rodents.

Training in specific procedures provided by the Principal Investigator or delegate. 

This training must be completed by investigators who indicate in the AEC application that they require specific training for scientific procedures using animals.

Training is compulsory for all staff and students listed on an animal ethics application who plan to perform recovery surgery on animals.

Contact us

Animal Ethics OfficeDeakin University 75 Pigdons Road Geelong VIC 3216+61 3 5227 2330

Email the Animal Ethics Office

You might also like

Restricted resources for staff and students in Animal Ethics.

Log in for staff and students