The Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, known as the scientific use code, requires that institutions with sufficient animal use for scientific purposes to establish an animal ethics committee (AEC) directly responsible to the governing body of the institution.

Small institutions or non-institutional persons with insufficient animal use to establish their own AEC may make arrangements to access an existing external AEC or to share an AEC with another institution.

Read the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes.

Establishing

An AEC must be established in compliance with the scientific use code.

Steps to establish an AEC

1. The head of the institution ensures that the institution understands the legal obligations relating to AECs, that they understand and are prepared to commit the resources necessary for the AEC to function effectively, and that there are sufficient potential applications to sustain the AEC (refer to sections 2.1.and 2.2 of the scientific use code).
2. The head of the institution or organisation advertises or seeks expressions of interest for suitable members in each category. There must be a minimum membership as defined in clause 2.2.4 of the scientific use code.
3. A chairperson is appointed by the institution, and AEC members are selected based on their qualifications and background and whether they meet the membership criteria outlined in clause 2.2.4 of the scientific use code. (Note: The scientific use code requires one-third of the AEC members to be from categories C and D.)
4. The institution, in consultation with the potential members, formulates the AEC's terms of reference and the AEC's governance and operating procedures as per the code clauses 2.2.1 and 2.2.18.
5. Members are appointed as described in the institution's governance and operating procedures.
6. The institution registers with Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and provides further details about their AEC as part of their application. Note: The membership of the AEC must be accepted by Biosecurity Queensland.
7. All AEC members sign a confidentiality agreement and accept in writing the AEC's terms of reference.
8. Training for all AEC members is carried out according to the requirements in the code. Information on training packages can be obtained from Biosecurity Queensland and the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART).
9. The AEC advertises its formation to the relevant animal users and seeks proposals for an inaugural meeting. Subsequent meetings are scheduled at intervals to allow effective functioning of the AEC.
10. The AEC operates according to its terms of reference; governance and operating procedures and Section 2.3 of the code and reports to Biosecurity Queensland as required by the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.

Accessing

Large institutions that use animals for scientific purposes can establish their own AECs.

External registrants such as smaller institutions or private companies that do not have their own AEC can seek permission from another institution to use its AEC (Note: there is no obligation for an institution to accept external registrants). They must have a formal written agreement with the institution and its AEC (refer to clause 2.6.2 of the code).

When assessing an application for registration as a scientific user, Biosecurity Queensland will confirm that arrangements between an external registrant and the proposed AEC of another institution have been made.

Fees and charges

The institution hosting the AEC may determine its own fees and charges. Some AECs operate on a fee-for-service basis for assessment of applications, reviews and site inspections. Applicants will need to check fee structures with the institution or the nominated AEC.

To obtain a list of AECs that will assess external applications, phone 13 25 23 and ask for Biosecurity Queensland's animal ethics unit.

To register as a person using animals for scientific purposes, you will need to engage with an AEC before completing a Biosecurity Queensland application.

Department of Primary Industries AEC

The Department of Primary Industries operates an AEC to provide public access for institutions unable to establish their own AEC.

These institutions can seek approval from the department's AEC to conduct scientific activities involving the use of animals in Queensland.

Read more about the Department of Primary Industries AEC.

An animal ethics committee (AEC) must have a membership that will fulfil its terms of reference, and be composed of members from each of the appropriate categories (category A–D) set out in Section 2 of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (scientific use code).

AEC structure

Each AEC must have:

• at least 4 members, one of each of categories A, B, C and D as defined in the scientific use code
• a chairperson who should hold a senior position in the institution or organisation.

An AEC may also have:

• additional members (e.g. a person from the institution who cares for the animals, or people with skills and background of value to the AEC)
• non-member advisers (people with specific expertise who can provide advice as required)
• logistical and administrative support (executive officer and/or secretary)
• a member responsible for the daily care of animals, if the institution has one, but this is not mandatory
• experts (e.g. biometricians or scientists) to assist in assessing activities or projects. These experts can be appointed as members or invited as non-member advisers by the AEC.

It is recommended that each AEC appoint a secretary to take an accurate record of meetings and decisions made.

Chairperson

The chairperson either should hold a senior position in the institution or, if an external appointee, be given a commitment by the institution to provide the necessary support and authority to carry out the role. It is recommended that the chairperson is an additional appointment to category A–D members.

The chairperson should have these attributes:

• An ability to bring impartiality to the task.
• The skills to manage the business of the AEC.
• The ability to communicate, negotiate and to resolve conflict.
• An understanding of the ethical and animal welfare issues involved in the use of animals for scientific purposes.

Large AECs

Larger AECs must ensure that the category C and D members represent at least a third of the appointed membership.

Large AECs may have:

• an administrative secretary (e.g. for filing and photocopying)
and
• a technical secretary or executive officer (e.g. to advise investigators or teachers on completing proposals, take minutes at meetings).

Recruiting members

Institutions can recruit anyone that meets the relevant membership criteria to be an AEC member. The most common recruitment strategies are word-of-mouth and advertisements in the local press or community newsletters.

New category A and B members are often staff or students of the institution. A and B members with specialist expertise (e.g. in wildlife or aquaculture) may need to be recruited from other organisations.

Category C members are often recruited through contact with animal welfare or animal care organisations such as RSPCA, Animals Australia and wildlife care groups. In smaller centres or remote regions it can be difficult to find suitable C members, so people who aren't active members of an animal welfare organisation can be recruited provided they have an established experience and demonstrated commitment to animal welfare.

Assessing members

Biosecurity Queensland has developed guidelines for assessing nominated persons against the scientific use code membership criteria for AECs.

Category A

A person meets category A criteria if they have a degree registerable in Australia as a veterinary surgeon, whether or not that person is currently registered.

A member will meet the criteria for category A if they are:

• currently registered with any Australian Veterinary Surgeons Board or equivalent
• confirmed to have been awarded a veterinary qualification from a recognised institution that would meet the requirements of any Australian Veterinary Surgeons Board or equivalent (e.g. BVSc, MRCVS, DVM from recognised institutions).

Category B

A person meets the requirement of having 'recent experience in the use of animals in scientific or teaching activities' if that experience is either:

• new members – current experience or within the past 5 years
• existing members – current or within the last 10 years, where persons who have not been personally involved the use of animals for less than 5 years can demonstrate that they have maintained an active interest in, and knowledge of, current scientific or teaching activities other than as an AEC member.

Category C

A person meets the criteria for 'demonstrable commitment to, and established experience in, furthering the welfare of animals' if they can show they are a:

• registered wildlife carer – preferably by demonstrating membership of a recognised wildlife carer organisation (e.g. WIRES)
• RSPCA inspector
• member of, or advocate for, a recognised animal welfare/advocate group (e.g. RSPCA, Animals Australia, Voiceless).

A category C member might be involved in the following activities, but these activities alone do not meet the 'welfare criteria' for category C:

• history of meeting animal welfare requirements for animals for which the person had an industry, professional or commercial responsibility (e.g. farmer, zookeeper)
• pet or other animal ownership
• participation on other animal welfare or ethics committees (e.g. Animal Welfare Committee, other AEC (i.e. having been a B member of one AEC doesn't meet the criterion for being a C member on another AEC)).

Category D

A person meets category D criteria if they specifically state that they don't meet the requirements for either category A, B or C.

An absence or omission of information suggesting the member does/could meet the criterion (absence of evidence) is not sufficient - a definitive statement (evidence of absence) is required.

Remunerating members

AEC members can receive an allowance from the institution, or act in an honorary capacity. It's recommended that non-institutional members are paid for out-of-pocket expenses.

Receiving an allowance or out-of-pocket expenses doesn't compromise the independence of the category C and D members if the payments aren't associated with any obligation to the institution.

Personal injury and public liability

Institutions should consider indemnifying AEC members under the institution's injury policy.

Members should discuss liability and indemnity with the AEC chairperson.

Term of appointment

The institution will determine an AEC member's term of appointment as part of the institution's procedures for appointment, reappointment and retirement of AEC members.

The primary responsibility of an animal ethics committee (AEC) is to ensure, on behalf of the institution, that all activities relating to the care and use of animals are conducted in compliance with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (known as the scientific use code). The 2 main roles of an AEC are to ethically review proposals to use animals for scientific purposes and to monitor animal care and use.

The institution that has established each AEC must ensure that the AEC is provided with the necessary resources to fulfil its terms of reference and operate in accordance with the code. The institution must also provide for the orientation and education of AEC members to enable them to meet their responsibilities.

Where more than 1 organisation (registrant) and/or AEC are involved in collaborative projects, the organisations and their AECs must together ensure that all use complies with the relevant legislation and the scientific use code.

Organisations and their AECs must establish a formal agreement between the institutions and must include the requirements outlined in clause 2.6.2 of the scientific use code.

Ethically reviewing proposals and animal facility management procedures

An AEC ethically reviews proposals by judging whether the proposal demonstrates the principles in clause 1.1 of the scientific use code, and must balance whether the potential effects on the wellbeing of the animals involved is justified by the potential benefits. The AEC must be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to support a case that the proposed use is justified. An essential component of this review involves ensuring the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) are applied at all stages of animal care and use.

Only those activities that conform to all relevant sections of the code and legislation and are ethically acceptable may be approved.

All new proposals and renewal of existing projects must be assessed at quorate meetings of the AEC.

Members of AECs participate in the following activities to assess proposals and procedures.

Preparing for meetings

• Review proposals to be assessed at the meeting
• Prepare any questions or discussion points

Depending on the number and complexity of the proposals, it may take 1 or more days to complete these preparations.

Attending meetings

• Attend meetings of the AEC (meeting frequency is determined by the amount of AEC business)
• Give early notice of inability to attend a meeting, as the meeting must be rescheduled if a quorum cannot be reached

Considering project/activity proposals

• Ensure animal use complies with the requirements of the code
• Determine whether the proposal is ethically acceptable, demonstrates the governing principles of the scientific use code (see clauses 1.1 to 1.4) and whether the potential effects on the wellbeing of animals involved is justified by the potential benefits.

Deciding on project/activity proposals

• The AEC must base its decisions on the information it receives from the applicant from the documentation and/or direct discussions and may use other relevant information
• Decisions should be prompt and based on a thorough, fair and inclusive process of discussion and deliberation by AEC members
• Decisions should be made on the basis of consensus and only proceed to a majority decision after all other alternatives have been exhausted
• AEC members with a conflict of interest must withdraw from the decision making process and decisions must be made by a quorate AEC membership
• The AEC can decide to approve with or without conditions, approve subject to amendment, defer subject to modification or not approve the project/activity
• In determining the duration of approval, AECs should take into account how long the project is funded, any milestones/stages and any formal agreements between the institution and funding bodies

Monitoring animal use

Monitoring activities undertaken by an AEC include:

• inspecting animal housing and laboratories on a regular basis
• examining records maintained by investigators, teachers and animal facility managers
• taking appropriate action in response to any unexpected, adverse events
• inspecting at an early stage any project likely to cause animals harm, including pain or distress (include as a condition of approval)
• ensuring activities that are not compliant with the code cease immediately and remedial action is taken
• delegating authority to suitably qualified people to monitor animal care and use, particularly in remote sites
• reviewing the annual reports and completion reports submitted to the AEC by investigators and teachers.

Confidentiality

AEC members may be asked to assess information that is commercial 'in confidence'. The institution will require members to sign a confidentiality agreement on joining the committee. Members must use the information provided only for the purpose of carrying out their responsibilities as AEC members.

The Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, known as the scientific use code, states that all animal ethics committees (AECs) must have terms of reference that are publicly available. The Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (ACPA) requires that these are submitted to Biosecurity Queensland as part of the application for registering as a user of animals for scientific purposes.

The terms of reference must include the following provisions:

• the scope of responsibilities for ethical review, approval and monitoring of animal care and use (see clauses 2.3.1 and 2.3.2 of the scientific use code)
• its institutional accountability
• its mechanisms of reporting
• the way in which it meets the requirements for categories of minimum membership.

The AEC must:

• review applications for projects and approve only those projects that are ethically acceptable (see clause 1.3) and conform to the requirements of the code
• review applications for activities associated with the care and management of animals in facilities, including procedures applicable to breeding programs integral to the maintenance of an animal line, and approve only those activities that are ethically acceptable and conform to the requirements of the code
• conduct follow-up review of approved projects and activities (see clause 2.2.32 [ii]), and allow the continuation of approval for only those activities that are ethically acceptable and conform to the requirements of the code
• monitor the care and use of animals, including housing conditions, practices and procedures involved in the care of animals in facilities
• take appropriate actions regarding unexpected adverse events
• take appropriate actions regarding non-compliance
• approve guidelines for the care and use of animals on behalf of the institution
• provide advice and recommendations to the institution
• report on its operations to the institution.

Read the example of a terms of reference.

Operating procedures

The institution must establish and document procedures for the effective governance and operation of the AEC. These must enable the AEC to comply with the scientific use code and relevant institutional policies and promote competent and timely ethical review of animal care and use.

The procedures should include:

• declaration of interests and management of conflicts of interest
• confidentiality
• appointment of and delegation of functions to an AEC Executive
• administrative processes
• meeting procedures
• communication
• complaints and non-compliance
• records and documentation.

Quorum

A quorum must be present when making decisions about proposals.

There are different categories of membership outlined in clause 2.2.4 of the scientific use code. A quorum of at least one person from each of categories A, B, C and D must attend each meeting of an AEC. There may be more than one member in any of these categories, though to maintain a balance members from categories C and D must represent no less than one third of the members. If possible, it is advisable to appoint at least 2 members of each membership category to ensure a quorum can be reached if some members are absent.

Meeting procedures

The scientific use code provides for a quorate meeting of a properly established AEC to consider and make ethical/values-based decisions in relation to animals being cared for and used for scientific purposes. Quorate meetings require the 'presence at meetings' (face-to-face) 'of at least one member for each of categories A, B, C and D'. The meeting procedures should also include the use of videoconferencing and web-conferencing where a face to face meeting is not possible. Teleconferencing is only possible in special circumstances (clause 2.2.26 (ii)).

New approvals, the review of Annual Progress Reports and approval of modifications to projects that are not minor must only be considered at a quorate AEC meeting. Decisions/approval of these matters must not be made 'out-of-session'. Where a decision on these matters is required before the next scheduled meeting, the AEC must be convened to meet and consider the matter.

AEC Executive

An institution may appoint an AEC Executive which must include the Chair and at least one Category C or D member. The AEC Executive may be delegated to approve minor amendments to approved projects or activities. The AEC Executive must not approve new applications. All decisions made by the AEC Executive must be ratified at the next quorate meeting of the AEC (clause 2.2.23).

The AEC Executive can make 'out-of sessions' decisions using any means the AEC considers appropriate, including by email, phone, etc.

In deciding whether an amendment must be considered by the AEC at a quorate meeting or can be considered by the Executive 'out-of-session', the question becomes 'what is minor?'

The code advises that 'a minor amendment may include a change to an approved project or activity where the proposed change is not likely to cause harm to the animals, including pain and distress'.

The Chair alone must not decide or approve any new or modified animal use, as clause 2.2.23 clearly requires ethical/value-based decisions on even 'minor amendments to approved projects or activities' to also involve at least a Category C or D member. The AEC or AEC Executive cannot delegate their decision-making responsibilities to the Chair alone. The Chair may not decide whether details of a procedure submitted to them alone are appropriate.

It is proposed that for administrative purposes the Chair (or anyone else) could 'confirm' finalisation of AEC approval by confirming that requirements, concerns or modifications 'approved' by the quorate AEC meeting or AEC Executive have/or will be met (e.g. confirming other permits have been received or confirming use of procedures will be done as approved by the AEC).

'Out-of-session' confirmations by the Chair alone must not be discretionary - the Chair alone must not make ethical, scientific or value-based decisions/approvals about what can or cannot be done with animals. Discretionary decisions must be made by either the AEC Executive (if minor) or the AEC at a quorate meeting.

Complaints, grievances and non-compliance

Institutions must have procedures for dealing with complaints and non-compliance with the code, complaints related to the AEC process, and irreconcilable differences between the AEC and an investigator (see Section 5 of the scientific use code).

If any person, whether a member of the public or staff of the institution, has concerns regarding the care and treatment of any animal on the institutional property (whether or not they are part of an AEC project), or at any other site as part of a AEC approved project, they may report the matter to the institution or any member of the appropriate AEC. The operating procedures must include or refer to procedures for recording and responding to concerns and complaints.

Holding an AEC meeting (checklist)

The following checklist can be used to plan the meeting:

• Is there a quorum of AEC members present i.e. at least one A, B, C and D? The meeting cannot proceed without a quorum.
• Will proposals from any of the A or B members present be assessed at this meeting? If so will there still be a quorum when they leave the room during the discussion and decision making regarding their proposal?
• Do the number of C and D members comprise not less than one-third of the members present? This ratio must be met.
• Have any absent members provided comments on the proposals? These comments can be tabled but the members cannot be part of the consensus process.
• Is the Chair also taking the role of another category of member? The Chair must clarify their role at all stages of the meeting.
• Have all the proposals to be assessed and the documents to be discussed been circulated well before the meeting? The procedures should cover this event if this is not the case.

Institutions that establish an animal ethics committee (AEC) must, in consultation with the AEC, develop documentation (an application form) for AEC approval to commence a project or activity. The institution can determine the style of the application form.

However, the application form to commence a project/activity must include the information required by clause 2.7.4 of the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, known as the scientific use code.

In preparing your application you will need to provide this information in plain English so that all AEC members can understand the proposed use.

Investigators and teachers are required to notify the AEC in writing if they are involved in collaborative studies using animals at another institution, or if they are named in an application to the be considered by the AEC of another institution (clause 2.6.8)

Contact your AEC to establish how to access their application form(s) and submit a proposal (application).

Tips for submitting a successful proposal

• Read the relevant sections of the scientific use code and the AEC's guidelines for preparing and submitting their proposal application form.
• Ensure you address the governing principles of the code.
• Ensure you provide all relevant information required in the application form.
• Above all, use plain English that all members of the AEC can understand.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss your application then contact the AEC Secretary or AEC Chair.

The Department of Primary Industries Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) provides corporations, institutions and individuals with access to an AEC if they are unable to establish their own.

You may seek approval from the department's AEC to conduct scientific activities involving the use of animals in Queensland.

Applying for approval from the department's AEC

To apply for approval to conduct scientific activities using animals, you must:

1. Register with Biosecurity Queensland as a user of animals for scientific purposes by completing the appropriate registration form.
2. Complete the application to use animals for a scientific purpose form.

You must register with Biosecurity Queensland before obtaining approval from the department's AEC.

Additional forms

Approved forms cannot be updated after your application has been approved. To send an update or provide us with additional information, you must use the following forms:

• Appendix pro forma – use this form in conjunction with the amendment form to list additional staff for the approval
• Amendment request for an approved project
• Adverse event report – use this form to report any adverse events during the project to the AEC
• Appendix to application to use animals for a scientific purpose (teaching activities) – complete this form if your project involves teaching or training activities.

Project completion reporting

You must provide written advice to us once your project finishes by completing the project completion advice form. We will send you a reminder to submit the form when your project reaches its completion date.

Annual reporting

At the end of each calendar year, everyone with a current AEC approval from the department's AEC must provide written advice by completing the electronic annual progress report form. You will need Microsoft Word 2016 version (or later) to complete the form. Please contact us if you have difficulties completing the form.

You must complete annual reporting as early in the year as possible to allow us to meet legislated animal use reporting requirements.

AEC summary report

At the end of each financial year, the AEC submits an annual report to the Department of Primary Industries. This report covers the AEC's compliance with the Code and its operational functioning. Read a summary of the AEC annual report.

AEC terms of reference and procedures

The AEC terms of reference and procedures provide details of current AEC processes. It combines the AEC terms of reference and AEC procedures.

AEC (Community Access) 2026 meeting dates

These are the Department of Primary Industries Community Access AEC 2026 meeting dates.

Applications due (2026)	Meeting dates (2026)
13 January	19 January
17 February	23 February
24 March	30 March
21 April	27 April
19 May	25 May
23 June	29 June
21 July	27 July
25 August	31 August
22 September	28 September
20 October	26 October
25 November	30 November

More information

Contact us online, by phone or in person for more information or to speak to a member of the department's AEC.