The Wildlife and Small Institutions Animal Ethics Committee (WSIAEC), part of Agriculture Victoria within the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), provides eligible institutions across Victoria with access to an animal ethics committee. The WSIAEC reviews and approves protocols to ensure the ethical use of animals in research and teaching activities.
The WSIAEC's core principles, as outlined in the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (8th Edition 2013), include respecting animals by justifying their use, ensuring their well-being, minimising harm, maintaining scientific integrity, and applying the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement). These principles guide the committee in reviewing applications and reports related to animal care and use in research.
Currently, the WSIAEC serves around 200 clients statewide, overseeing more than 100 projects annually. Its diverse client base includes, among others, environmental consultancies, not-for-profit wildlife conservation groups, wildlife volunteer organisations, veterinary clinics, and educational institutions such as TAFEs.
The WSIAEC is composed of a chairperson and up to fourteen other members, all of whom are appointed by the Chief Executive of Agriculture Victoria, ensuring a balance of expertise across four categories (veterinarians - A, scientists - B, animal advocates - C, and wider community - D), consistent with the Australian Code.
The WSIAEC meets monthly. Meetings are mostly online, with some meetings scheduled at Agriculture Victoria offices, either in Attwood or Melbourne CBD. Meetings last between 4 and 6 hours.
Renumeration of Committee Members is based on meeting attendance. Additionally, there is a fee for Committee Executive considerations, which may occur between meetings.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is seeking expressions of interest from two Category B members (scientists) and two Category C members (animal advocates), for an appointment period of three years
Expressions of interest are sought from suitable candidates with:
Category B member
— Requires substantial and recent experience in the use of animals for scientific purposes, relevant to the institution and the business of the WSIAEC.
— A higher degree in research with animal use experience.
— Other desirable skills and experience include working knowledge of POCTA, experience in wildlife practices, or experience in livestock practices.
Category C member
— Should demonstrate a commitment to and established experience in furthering animal welfare.
— Cannot be employed by or associated with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, nor currently involved in the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.
— Veterinarians with animal welfare interests and experience are suitable. Active membership or endorsement by an animal welfare organisation is favourable, though not representing one.
Applicants will be shortlisted on the basis of the selection criteria described for each role, consistent with the Australian code. See the position description attached for full details for the Category B and C members' requirements.
The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQ+ people. 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 we will provide adjustments upon request. 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.
Applicants from rural and regional Victoria are also encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Those wishing to submit an expression of interest should include a resume and a covering letter (maximum of two pages in total). Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
All expressions of interest will be considered confidentially.
Applicants are required to register an account on the Join a Public Board website (www.boards.vic.gov.au) before applying online.
Applicants will have the opportunity to address the key selection criteria and outline relevant qualifications and experience when completing the Expression of Interest form, to be submitted along with a Curriculum Vitae.
If you would like help understanding this document or would like to receive it in another format, phone (Mr Nathan Potter, 0482 690 832), using the National Relay Service 133 677 if required, or email at [email protected]
Expressions of interest close by midnight on 9 Aug 2026.