2.6 Compliance with regulations and legislation
Safety and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety requirements is fundamental to participation in the Australian Antarctic Program.
Some research projects will require additional authorisations and permits. Questions relating to these are not part of the Expression of Interest form, but will be asked in the full application form. Some additional information is also provided in Appendix B.
Environment protection
All activities (including research projects) proposed to be conducted by Australians in Antarctica or any member of Australia’s Antarctic program must comply with all relevant national and state legislative requirements. Applicants will need to satisfy all legal requirements before departing for Antarctica or the subantarctic. For further details, refer to the AAD's environment web pages.
Animal research
Projects involving animals must be reviewed by the Antarctic Animal Ethics Committee (AAEC), whether or not a project has already been approved by other similar committees. The Committee’s approval is required before any animal research commences.
Please note, projects proposing to conduct animal research on Macquarie Island will only require approval by the CI’s institution’s animal ethics committee as well as the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment animal ethics committee. The AAEC does not consider animal research for Macquarie Island, unless the CI is an AAD employee.
Applicants should consult the Animal Research Guidelines.
If any aspect of animal research changes after the application is lodged, an updated summary of the amendments must be emailed to the AAEC Secretary for approval by the AAEC.
Human research
Researchers wishing to undertake research involving humans as part of Australia’s Antarctic Science Program are required to submit a National Ethics Application Form (NEAF) to the Australian Antarctic Program Human Research Ethics Committee and obtain approval to ensure that all statutory requirements are met.
Use of radioisotopes
Projects involving the use of radioisotopes must provide the information requested in the full application form. Refer to the guidelines provided in the Ionising Radiation Guidelines. The AAD will not accept responsibility for storage or disposal of radioactive wastes other than those used in AAD projects.
Use of ionising radiation must be in accordance with AAD policy available from the Radiation Safety Officer.
