Whilst the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007), and Chapter 4.7: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in particular, enables researchers to ‘meet’ rule-based requirements of ethical approval, it is also necessary that researchers engage fully with the implications of difference and values relevant to their research.
The NHRMC Values and Ethics: Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research are based on the importance of trust, recognition and values. Ethical research therefore, requires not only the limiting of inappropriate behaviour, but also that researchers develop an awareness of the settings that may lead unintentionally to imprudent or untrustworthy behaviours.
Researchers who propose to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should ensure that they have read and addressed the above guidelines, together with the Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies (GERAIS).
Note: If you are planning to undertake health and/or wellbeing research involving Aboriginal people in New South Wales, then you must also submit your proposal to the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) Ethics Committee for review prior to its commencement.