Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2021

Overview

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2021 instrument, enacted in 2021, is a notifiable instrument that aims to address the need for expertise and guidance in the operations of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This instrument was introduced by the Australian Government under the authority of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. The policy objective behind this appointment is to ensure that the ABS benefits from the specialised knowledge and experience of Adam McKissack, who has been appointed as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council for a term of three years. This legislative action is intended to bolster the capacity and effectiveness of the ABS in its role of producing high-quality, reliable statistical information that serves the needs of the Australian community and government.

Scope and Application

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2021I, dated 1 September 2021 and issued by Michael Sukkar, the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness, Social and Community Housing, appoints Adam McKissack as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council for a term of three years. This appointment is made under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 and will be effective from the day after this instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. The appointment applies specifically to the individual named, Adam McKissack, and pertains to his role within the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. The Act applies to the Commonwealth of Australia, and the appointment is subject to the provisions and requirements set forth in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, and its application is not extended or restricted by subordinate instruments in this instance.

Key Provisions

The key operative section of this legislation, F2021N00220, is the appointment of Adam McKissack as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) under section 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 (Cth). This appointment is on a part-time basis and is set to last for a period of 3 years from the day after the instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. The instrument was dated 1 September 2021 and was signed by Michael Sukkar, who held the positions of Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Housing, and Minister for Homelessness, Social and Community Housing at the time. Under this legislation, Adam McKissack is tasked with fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a member of the ASAC. The ASAC plays a crucial role in advising the Australian Bureau of Statistics on matters related to the production and dissemination of official statistics. This includes providing expert advice on statistical methods, data collection processes, and the interpretation and use of statistics. As a member of the ASAC, McKissack will be expected to contribute his expertise and knowledge to these discussions and to participate in the council's decision-making processes. In addition to his role on the ASAC, the legislation also imposes certain obligations and requirements on Adam McKissack as a member of this council. These include a duty to act in the best interests of the Australian community, to maintain the confidentiality of any information that comes to light during the course of his duties, and to avoid any conflicts of interest. McKissack will also be expected to attend meetings of the ASAC and to contribute to the council's work in a timely and effective manner. Failure to comply with the obligations and requirements set out in the legislation may result in various consequences, including potential civil or criminal penalties. However, the specific consequences for breach are not outlined in the text of this legislation. It is worth noting that the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 (Cth) does provide for various offences and penalties related to the misuse of official statistics, and these may be applicable in certain circumstances. For example, unauthorised disclosure of official statistics may be subject to penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to $21,000, or both, under section 26 of the Act. However, these penalties are not directly related to the appointment of a member of the ASAC and would only apply if McKissack were to engage in conduct that breached the provisions of the Act.