All research projects using linked data require approval from the Department of Health WA Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
Department of Health WA HREC
The Department of Health WA HREC has responsibility for oversight of the use and disclosure of personal health information held in the Department of Health WA data collections.
The Department of Health WA HREC is registered with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and is constituted in compliance with the 2007 NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (updated 2018).
The Department of Health WA HREC website has details about the application process and HREC meeting dates. For more information about the Department of Health WA HREC you can contact:
Executive Officer, Department of Health WA HREC
HREC@health.wa.gov.au
Phone: +61 8 9222 4278
https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Department-of-Health-Human-Research-Ethics-Committee
Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee
If linked data is being requested to perform research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, ethics approval must also be sought from the Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee (WAAHEC).
In particular, projects should be submitted to WAAHEC if one or more of the following apply:
- Aboriginality is a key determinant
- Data collection is explicitly directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as a group, will be examined in the results
- The information has an impact on one or more Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health funds are a source of funding
For more information about the WAAHEC you can visit: