Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2023

Overview

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2023, enacted on 16 January 2023, is a notifiable instrument under the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. This instrument aims to address the need for expert advice and oversight in the functioning of the Australian Bureau of Statistics by appointing a new member to the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. The appointment is made by Dr Andrew Leigh, the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, who is also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer. The policy objective behind this appointment is to enhance the quality and integrity of statistical information provided by the Bureau, thereby ensuring that it meets the needs of various stakeholders, including government, businesses, and the public. The Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 established the Australian Statistics Advisory Council to provide advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on its operations and the development of statistics. The appointment of Stephen Walters to the Council under this notifiable instrument seeks to fill a gap in expertise and experience within the Council, contributing to the overall improvement of the statistical services provided by the Bureau. This appointment is expected to support the Council in its role of advising on the strategic direction, performance, and efficiency of the Bureau, thereby ensuring that the statistical information produced is reliable, relevant, and timely.

Scope and Application

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2023 instrument, issued under the authority of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, pertains specifically to the appointment of Stephen Walters as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council for a term of three years. This legislation falls under the purview of the Commonwealth of Australia and impacts directly on the personnel and operations of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), particularly concerning the Advisory Council which provides advice on statistical matters. The geographic reach of this legislation is national, as it governs appointments within the federal ABS framework. The instrument does not specify exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and its application is directly tied to the appointment of Stephen Walters as outlined, with no indication of broader application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2023 instrument, issued under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, appoints Stephen Walters as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council for a term of three years. This appointment begins the day after the instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. The instrument was dated 16 January 2023 and signed by Dr Andrew Leigh, who is the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer. The obligations and requirements imposed by this instrument on Stephen Walters and the Australian Statistics Advisory Council primarily revolve around the duties and responsibilities of a council member. As a member, Walters is expected to contribute to the council's functions, which include advising the Australian Bureau of Statistics on statistical activities and ensuring that the bureau's work aligns with the needs of users of statistical information. The instrument does not detail specific obligations but implies a commitment to participate in council meetings and activities as a part-time member. Breach of the council's responsibilities, or failure to fulfil the duties as outlined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, may lead to various consequences. Although the instrument itself does not specify offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance, the broader legislative framework under which the council operates could impose sanctions. The Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 and related regulations might include provisions for disciplinary actions or legal consequences for members who fail to adhere to their responsibilities. However, the instrument does not detail specific penalties or civil or criminal consequences, leaving such determinations to the overarching legislation and any subsequent regulations.