Animal Research Review Panel

The Animal Research Review Panel (the Panel) is a statutory body under the Animal Research Act 1985 (the Act) that has responsibility for overseeing the effectiveness and efficiency of the animal research legislation, investigating complaints, and assisting in evaluating compliance of individuals and establishments with the legislation.

The Panel has 12 members who are appointed by the Minister for Agriculture (the Minister). There is equal representation from the sectors of industry, government and animal welfare.

Functions of the Panel

Section 9 of the Act defines the functions of the Panel as:

the investigation of matters relating to the conduct of animal research and the supply of animals for use in connection with animal research
the investigation and evaluation of the efficacy of the Code of Practice in regulating the conduct of animal research and the supply of animals for use in connection with animal research
the investigation of applications and complaints referred to it under the Act
such other functions as the Minister may from time to time confer or impose on it.

In November 1998, the then Minister, the Hon. Richard Amery MP, conferred the following additional function on to the Panel, pursuant to section 9 (d) of the Act: the consideration and comment on proposals referred to the Animal Research Review Panel which relate to the making, amendment, or review of the regulations under the Act.

There have been no other functions formally conferred on the Panel under section 9 (d) of the Act since it commenced.

Part 6A – Section 54C of the Act defines the functions of the Panel as: considering applications under 4 (a) for keeping of animals (dogs and cats) for research for longer than 3 years.

In addition to its prescribed functions, the Panel also has a role in considering amendments to the Animal Research Regulation 2021.

Mission statement

To protect and enhance the welfare of animals used in scientific research, testing and teaching in New South Wales.

To promote an understanding within the New South Wales community of the ethical and technical issues involved in the use of animals for scientific purposes.

The strength of the Panel lies in the diversity of expertise, opinions, and perspectives of its members, which has resulted in the development of cohesive and progressive policies. All members are employed in other fields and participate on a largely voluntary basis. Non- government members are paid fees for attending formal meetings and participating in site inspections. Members are not paid for time spent preparing for meetings and inspections, for considering applications for accreditation or licenses, or for drafting discussion papers.

Administration

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (department) staff provide executive support for the Panel.

See the Panel's Terms of Reference.

Panel meeting dates for 2026

19 February 2026
Submissions due 22 January 2026
7 May 2026
Submissions due 2 April 2026
16 July 2026
Submissions due 18 June 2026
24 September 2026
Submissions due 27 August 2026
3 December 2026
Submissions due 5 November 2026

Inspections

Under the Act, inspections can be carried out of accredited research establishments, licensed animal suppliers and animal research authority holders by department veterinary inspectors appointed under the Act.

Section 10 of the Act allows for members of the Panel to accompany inspectors during inspections.

The aim of inspections is to determine whether establishments, suppliers and individuals are complying with the legislation (the Act and the Animal Research Regulation 2021), the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 2013 and any licence/accreditation conditions to which they are subject.

More information about inspections.

Membership

The Panel consists of 12 members who are appointed by the Minister on the basis of nominations received from industry, government and animal welfare groups. Panel members are appointed part-time and normally for a 3-year term.

Prescribed composition of the Panel as per section 6(2) of the Act:

Nominating body	No. of members
New South Wales Vice-Chancellors' Committee	3
Medicines Australia	1
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New South Wales	2
Animal Societies' Federation (N.S.W.)	2
New South Wales Minister for Health	1
New South Wales Minister for Education and Training	1
New South Wales Minister administering the Biosecurity Act 2015	1
New South Wales Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974	1

All members of the Panel are part-time and are normally appointed for a term of three years.

Current membership

Nominated by New South Wales Vice-Chancellors' Committee

Professor Kieron Rooney (Chair)
Professor Tim Karl (Deputy Chair)
Professor Rafael Freire

Nominated by Medicines Australia

Dr Damian O'Brien

Nominated by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New South Wales

Dr Elizabeth Arnott
Dr Gemma Ma

Nominated by Animal Societies' Federation (N.S.W.)

Professor Jane Johnson
Dr Colin Salter

Nominated by the Minister for Health

Professor Wayne Hawthorne

Nominated by the Minister for Education and Training

Ms Sally Bannerman

Nominated by the Minister administering the Biosecurity Act 2015

Dr Kate Wingett

Nominated by the Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974

Ms Emma Mclean

Webinars

The Panel, in partnership with the department, hosts regular webinars to help educate and continue to raise awareness of the welfare of animals used in research. There are three webinars planned for 2025.

ARRP webinars and seminars

Annual reports

The Panel reports on its activities on a calendar year basis. Each annual report is provided to the Minster for tabling in Parliament and published online.