AIHW Ethics Committee – Lawyer Position

Expressions of interest are sought for appointment to the

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Ethics Committee

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is a national agency set up to provide reliable, regular and relevant information and statistics on Australia’s health and welfare. 

In order to ensure data about people is handled with respect and in line with best practice, the AIHW has established a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) registered with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). 

The AIHW is seeking to fill a vacancy in the membership of its HREC.

The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (the National Statement) has been developed to promote ethically good human research in Australia and outlines the requirements for HREC member composition and appointment.  

The membership of NHMRC-registered HRECs must include at least one person who is a qualified lawyer, who may or may not be currently practicing and, where possible, is not engaged to advise the institution on research-related or any other matters. 

Further information on the AIHW HREC can be found on the Institute’s website: http://www.aihw.gov.au/ethics/

Membership is for a three-year term with a probation period of 6 months. 

The Committee meets nine times a year.

Remuneration is in accordance with a determination of the Remuneration Tribunal.

We are committed to creating genuine opportunities for everyone and we welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people(s), people with disability, LGBTIQA+, neurodiverse people and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Selection criteria are:

• tertiary qualification(s) in law
• be admitted as a lawyer
• not engaged to advise the institution on research-related or any other matters
• ability to understand and apply research ethics principles
• interest in health and welfare and associated research issues
• ability to read and understand AIHW Ethics application submissions
• ability to actively participate in theyand contribute to Committee discussions on research proposals and related research ethics considerations
• sufficient time to properly commit to the AIHW Ethics Committee
• integrity, and have no apparent conflicts, especially in relation to commercial entities having links with projects likely to be considered
• an understanding of the sensitivities concerning the use of personal data, and knowledge and experience in application of privacy law 
• ability to attend meetings and to participate in out of session consideration of applications when required.

Applying

If you wish to be considered for this position, please provide a written application by COB Wednesday, 17 April 2024, which includes a current CV and a statement of claims addressing the selection criteria and why you would be a suitable person for the role. 

Ethics Committee Secretariat 

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 

GPO Box 570, Canberra ACT 2601 

or by email to *********@aihw.gov.au 

Please contact Gary Kent, Head Ethics and Privacy Unit, with enquiries, phone: 0419 854 ***, email: *********@aihw.gov.au