A NSW Government website

NSW Government
Animal Ethics Infolink
A NSW DPIRD and Animal Research Review Panel initiative

Animal Research Review Panel (ARRP)

About the Animal Research Review Panel

The Animal Research Review Panel (the ARRP) is a statutory body under the Animal Research Act 1985 (the Act). It has twelve 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 ARRP

The Act defines the functions of the ARRP 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.
  • ARRP Terms of Reference

ARRP meeting dates for 2025

  • Thursday 20 February
  • Thursday 1 May
  • Thursday 10 July
  • Thursday 25 September
  • Thursday 4 December

Inspections

Under the Act, inspections can be carried out of accredited research establishments, licensed animal suppliers and animal research authority holders by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) veterinary inspectors appointed under the Act.

Section 10 of the Act allows for members of the ARRP 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 (the Australian Code) and any licence/accreditation conditions to which they are subject.

More information about inspections.

Membership

The ARRP consists of 12 members who are appointed by the Minister on the basis of nominations received from industry, government and animal welfare groups.

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

Nominating bodyNo. of members
New South Wales Vice-Chancellors' Committee 3
Medicines Australia 1
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New South Wales2
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 ARRP are part-time and are normally appointed for a term of three years.

Current membership

Nominated by New South Wales Vice-Chancellors' Committee

  • Professor Jacqueline Phillips
  • Professor Tim Karl
  • Associate Professor Kieron Rooney

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.)

  • Dr Sophie Riley
  • Vacancy

Nominated by the Minister for Health

  • Associate Professor Marina Pajic

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

  • Dr Marie-Claire Demers

ARRP webinars

The ARRP, 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 annual reports

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