Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 3) 2023

Overview

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 3) 2023I, enacted on 6 February 2023, addresses the need for the Australian Statistics Advisory Council to have a suitably qualified and experienced member to provide expert advice and guidance on statistical matters. This appointment was made under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 by Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury. The policy objective behind this appointment is to ensure the Council can effectively advise on matters related to the production and dissemination of official statistics, thereby maintaining the quality, relevance and integrity of Australia's statistical system.

Scope and Application

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 3) 2023I applies to the appointment of Antony Skinner as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. This Act is an instrument under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, and it outlines the terms of this appointment, specifically that it will be for a period of three years from the day after the instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. The appointment is made by Dr Andrew Leigh, who holds the positions of Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer. This Act is applicable on a national level within Australia, as it pertains to the Commonwealth government's authority to appoint members to the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this particular instrument, and the scope of its application is limited to the specific appointment outlined within it. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 may extend or restrict application through subordinate instruments.

Key Provisions

The main provisions of this notifiable instrument (F2023N00017) involve the appointment of a new member to the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) (s. 1). This instrument specifically appoints Antony Skinner as a part-time member of the ASAC for a term of three years, starting from the day after this instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. This appointment is made under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, which allows the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury to make such appointments. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act primarily revolve around the duties of the appointed member, Antony Skinner. As a member of the ASAC, Skinner is expected to provide expert advice and recommendations to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on statistical matters. This includes the development and implementation of statistical standards and methodologies, and ensuring the integrity and quality of official statistics produced by the Bureau. The part-time nature of the appointment means that Skinner will need to balance this role with other professional commitments, ensuring that he can contribute effectively to the Council's work without overburdening his schedule. Regarding the consequences of breach, this notifiable instrument does not explicitly outline specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance with its provisions. However, any breach of the duties and responsibilities outlined in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 could potentially lead to disciplinary action, including termination of the appointment, depending on the severity and nature of the breach. The Act itself may contain provisions that address such breaches, which would then apply to this appointment. It is important to note that while this specific instrument does not detail penalties, the overarching legislation it references might include such details.