Payment of external members of animal ethics committees

Animal Research Review Panel Guideline 35
Revised 9 July 2025

Payment of external members of animal ethics committees

Institutions may, where appropriate, reimburse out-of-pocket expenses (such as travel) and/or pay a reasonable allowance to external AEC members for their participation in AEC activities including attendance at meetings and facility inspections, in accordance with the NHMRC Australian Code (Clause 2.2.19(iii))

Explanatory notes

External members of AECs are those members who participate in committee activities but are not employed by the Accredited Animal Research Establishment that appointed the committee.

The Panel recognises that external members participation in AEC activities represents considerable commitment, which may include financial considerations such as travel expenses or lost work opportunities.

The Panel recognises the independence of Accredited Animal Research Establishments to determine whether external members should receive payment or allowances and emphasises that any such arrangements must not be seen as constituting employment by the establishment or compromising the independence of external AEC members.

As a guide, the following lists sitting fees set by the NSW Public Service Commission for members of NSW Government boards and committees.

NSW Government Boards and Committees Framework Classification and Fees