Payment of external members of animal ethics committees
Animal Research Review Panel Policy 2
Revised 15th May 2009
Policy
The Animal Research Review Panel (ARRP) considers it reasonable for external members of Animal Ethics Committees (AECs) to receive:
- Reimbursement for expenses incurred in carrying out AEC activities.
- Payment for attendance at meetings and inspections.
Explanatory notes
External members of AECs are those members who participate in the activities of the committee but who are not employed by the accredited research establishment that appointed the committee.
The ARRP recognises that participation in AEC activities involves a considerable commitment from external members and may involve financial hardship, for example through travel expenses or lost wages.
The ARRP also recognises the independence of accredited establishments to decide whether or not external members should receive payment.
The amount paid should not be of sufficient size to be seen as constituting employment by the establishment or swaying the decisions of the member.
The Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (Clause 2.1.1 (viii)) states that establishments must, where appropriate, provide for "the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses and / or the payment of an allowance to AEC members".
As a guide, the following sitting fees are set by the Department of Premier and Cabinet for members of Government advisory committees:
| Chair | Member | |
| Full day | $342 | $207 |
| Half day | $171 | $104 |