Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 1) 2023

Overview

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 1) 2023 instrument, enacted on 16 January 2023, was established to address the need for expert advice and representation on the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. This council plays a crucial role in advising the Australian Bureau of Statistics on statistical matters. The appointment of Professor Nicholas Biddle, a part-time member for a three-year term, was authorised by Dr Andrew Leigh, the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. The policy objective of this appointment is to enhance the quality and integrity of statistical services provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics through the inclusion of a qualified academic with expertise in the field.

Scope and Application

The F2023N00009 (Notifiable instrument) is a legislative instrument issued by the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh, under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. This notifiable instrument appoints Professor Nicholas Biddle as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council for a period of three years, commencing from the day after the instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. The appointment is made on 16 January 2023, and the instrument is dated the same day. This appointment falls under the Commonwealth jurisdiction and applies specifically to the individual named, Professor Nicholas Biddle, in his capacity as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. The instrument does not outline specific exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and it is not apparent whether the Act extends or restricts application through subordinate instruments based on the provided text.

Key Provisions

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 1) 2023 instrument (F2023N00009) appoints Professor Nicholas Biddle as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) under section 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. This appointment is for a part-time role, effective for three years starting from the day after the instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. The primary operative section, section 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, outlines the procedure for appointing members to the ASAC, ensuring that the Council is composed of individuals with relevant expertise to advise on statistical matters. The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on the parties involved, particularly on the appointed member, Professor Nicholas Biddle. As a member of the ASAC, Professor Biddle is expected to contribute to the Council's functions, which include advising the Australian Statistician on statistical matters, the development of the National Statistical Agenda, and other related activities. The role requires Professor Biddle to bring his expertise to bear on statistical policy and practices, ensuring that the ASAC's advice is informed, relevant, and beneficial to the broader statistical community. The instrument does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or consequences for breaches of the appointment terms. However, the overarching legislation, the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, does provide for potential civil and criminal penalties for various breaches related to the operation of the ASAC or the misuse of statistical information. For example, section 21 of the Act makes it an offence to disclose official statistics in a way that breaches confidentiality provisions, with potential penalties including fines and imprisonment. While the specific instrument does not detail penalties for non-compliance with the appointment terms, adherence to the statutory obligations of the ASAC is crucial to avoid any potential repercussions under the broader legislative framework.