Aboriginal Human Research Ethics Committee
VACCHO’s new Aboriginal Human Research Ethics Committee (VACCHO HREC) conducts scientific and ethical reviews of health and wellbeing research projects from a local Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community perspective.
The new HREC answers a 35 year-call by Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Communities to have a local mechanism that promotes and monitors health and wellbeing research that impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the State.
The new HREC answers a 35 year-call by Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Communities to have a local mechanism that promotes and monitors health and wellbeing research that impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the State.
Prior to the establishment of VACCHO HREC, Victoria was one of the few states without an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific ethics committee. This meant that a lot of our Mob were being asked to participate in studies that may have been inappropriate, unnecessary, and that would not bring net benefit to Community.
VACCHO HREC does not seek to be punitive, but to support and capacitate researchers and/or research organisations to develop the capability to conduct ethical health and wellbeing research that genuinely engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, creating better outcomes for Community.
1. 100% Aboriginal representation
2. Dedicated to reviewing Aboriginal health and wellbeing research only
3. Quick turnaround
4. User friendly ethics application system
5. Available 24/7
The HREC is guided by the following Accord principles:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership
Trust
and Equity
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Priorities
Cultural Safety
and Humility
Knowledge Equity
and Recognition
Data Governance
and Sovereignty
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of applications does VACCHO HREC accept?
VACCHO HREC will accept and review applications that impact the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria. However, it is anticipated that the HREC will not have the capacity to review all health research, and as such, the following categories were devised to determine the most appropriate review pathway:
- Minimal risk applications
Research in this category will not be accepted by the HREC. Other low risk ethics panels or alternative HRECs may review such research. - Low and greater than low-risk (excludes clinical trials and/or drug and device research)
Research in this category undergoes scientific and ethical review by HREC members. Investigators must submit their applications by the specified closing dates. - Greater than low-risk applications (covering all clinical trials and/or drug and device research impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people).
Research in this category will not be accepted in the initial phase of operations of the Committee. This may be added later depending on HREC capacity and capability.
Please note, these categories are just a guide, and it is the discretion of the HREC Co-Chairs whether an application requires review from VACCHO HREC.
Do I still need ethical approval from VACCHO HREC if I’ve already gotten ethical approval from a non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ethics committee?
Yes, if you are conducting any research that requires the participation of or that impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, you are required to seek ethical approval from VACCHO HREC regardless of the fact that you have already sought ethical approval from another non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HREC.
Does VACCHO HREC accept interstate applications or applications for national research projects?
Yes, we expect organisations who have endorsed the Accord to submit all research that impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria to VACCHO HREC for review.
The same applies to national (interstate) applications.
VACCHO HREC Guiding Documents:
Get involved with the HREC
This committee will help make health, medical and wellbeing research more ethical and culturally safe for Mob. But we can’t do it without you.
Here are the available roles – and who can apply:
Committee members
What's involved?
As a Committee member, you will:
- Help shape and monitor health and wellbeing research impacting Communities in Victoria, ensuring it aligns with our values and aspirations
- Be remunerated for your time
- Receive a thorough induction – plus ongoing training, mentoring and support
- Meet with the HREC 10 times throughout the year – and dates are flexible.
Who can apply?
If you’re an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander:
- Community member passionate about ethical research
- Young person (aged between 18-30)
- Elder or Community leader
Or if you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and have experience:
- In the health care sector – e.g. as a doctor, nurse, counsellor or allied health worker
- As a legal practitioner
- In health and wellbeing research
We’d love to hear from you.
Committee advisors
What's involved?
As a Committee advisor, you will:
- Help shape and monitor health and wellbeing research impacting Communities in Victoria, ensuring it aligns with our values and aspirations
- Support the core HREC members with expert review and opinions on complex research applications
- Contribute on an ad-hoc basis
- Help uphold ethical conduct in health, wellbeing and medical research impacting Mob
Who can apply?
This role is open to non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who, due to other personal or professional responsibilities, may be unable to commit to full HREC membership.
If you’re an experienced:
- Health, medical and wellbeing researcher
- Nurse, doctor, counsellor, allied health professional – or other professional involved in peoples’ care and/or treatment
- Qualified legal practitioner (practicing or non-practicing), not engaged to advise VACCHO on research or any other matter
We want you!
Spread the word in your Community or networks
Know someone who might be interested in joining the HREC? Share this website, forward the EOI to others, or display the downloadable posters in your workplace or Community spaces.