Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 4) 2023

Overview

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 4) 2023 instrument, F2023N00269, was enacted on 5 September 2023, and it addresses the need to appoint a new member to the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC). This notifiable instrument was introduced to fill a vacancy and to ensure the ASAC continues to provide expert advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on its statistical activities, thereby upholding the quality and integrity of the statistical services provided by the ABS. Enacted by Dr Andrew Leigh, the Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the policy objective behind this appointment is to maintain the advisory council's effectiveness and to ensure it can continue to contribute to the improvement of statistical standards and practices in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 4) 2023 notifies the appointment of Shane Johnson as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council for a three-year term, effective from the day after the instrument's registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. This legislative instrument operates under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, which pertains to the appointment of council members. The act applies specifically to the appointment of Shane Johnson to the council, ensuring that his role and term are clearly defined and compliant with the legislative requirements. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of this appointment is confined to the Commonwealth of Australia, as the Australian Bureau of Statistics operates under federal jurisdiction. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds specified within the instrument itself; however, the overarching act may contain provisions that could indirectly affect the scope of the appointment. The application and interpretation of this appointment may be further refined or extended through subordinate instruments or regulations issued under the authority of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of this instrument, F2023N00269, is Section 1, which outlines the appointment of Shane Johnson as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) on a part-time basis for a duration of three years. This appointment is effective from the day after the instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation (Section 1). The instrument was made under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, indicating that it is authorised by the Act and follows the procedure stipulated within it. Under this legislation, Shane Johnson is required to perform the duties and responsibilities associated with being a member of the ASAC. This includes participating in meetings, contributing to the development of statistical standards, and advising on statistical matters. The appointment is part-time, which implies that while Johnson is expected to engage actively in the council’s activities, he does not commit to full-time employment. His role is to ensure that the ASAC can effectively advise on statistical matters within the Bureau. The obligations imposed on Shane Johnson as a member of the ASAC include attending and contributing to council meetings, adhering to the council’s terms of reference, and maintaining the confidentiality of any sensitive information that may be discussed during council proceedings. Additionally, Johnson must act in the best interest of the Australian Bureau of Statistics and ensure that his advice is based on sound statistical principles. Should Shane Johnson breach any of the terms of his appointment, there may be consequences as outlined in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. While the specific penalties are not detailed in this instrument, breaches of statutory duties or confidentiality could lead to disciplinary action or termination of the appointment. Further, if any actions by Johnson are deemed to be in breach of the Act, he could potentially face legal action, which might include civil penalties or criminal charges, depending on the nature and severity of the breach.