About the project
The Strategic Ethics Reform Project aims to strengthen how human research ethics is managed in Victoria.
This independent work supports national efforts to introduce quality standards and an accreditation scheme for Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) and the institutions that host them.
Why we are doing this project
Victoria participates in the National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) scheme and uses single ethical review through Minister-accredited HRECs.
This approach has improved efficiency for multi-site trials. However, challenges remain - organisational processes differ, governance models vary, and digital systems are not well connected.
As national quality standards and accreditation develop, we need a clear, evidence-informed approach to guide Victoria’s response.
What we will do
We will run a focused, time-limited program to:
- analyse best practice ethics models in Australia and overseas
- co-design shared principles and practical solutions with:
- HREC leaders
- research governance offices
- researchers
- sponsors
- contract research organisations
- consumers.
- produce a strategic paper that outlines practical models and identifies risks and opportunities to improve HREC performance in Victoria.
Health sector participation
Health sector stakeholders – all those working in human research ethics - will be invited to contribute through roundtables, workshops, interviews, and written submissions. We will update this web page with participation opportunities and announce them through our newsletter.
Victorian human research ethics sector listening survey
The Strategic Ethics Reform Project is beginning with a short listening survey to understand how Victoria’s human research ethics system is working in practice. Your insights will help identify what is working well, where challenges occur, and where greater clarity or consistency may be needed.
Learn moreScope
In scope
The project includes ethics review pathways, committee models and structures, system level policies and enabling infrastructure. It also includes statewide coordination and performance transparency.
Not in scope
Site-level research governance office (RGO) process design is not in scope. It remains important and we will address governance improvements separately, so the work does not become confused or diluted.
Timeline and governance
The project is underway and will run until 30 June 2026.
Safer Care Victoria’s Research, Strategy & Clinical Trials Unit is leading the work.
Contact
If you have any questions about the project, please email the project advisor, Heidi Gaulke, at research@safercare.vic.gov.au.