Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2023

Overview

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2023I, enacted in 2023, was introduced to address the need for the appointment of a new member to the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. This instrument was issued under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 by Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, on behalf of the Australian Government. The policy objective of this appointment is to ensure that the Australian Statistics Advisory Council, which plays a pivotal role in providing independent advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on statistical standards and practices, continues to have the necessary expertise and representation to effectively guide and support the development and maintenance of high-quality statistical information. The appointment of Todd Crawford as a part-time member for a period of three years aims to contribute to the Council's ongoing mission of enhancing the statistical capabilities and services provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Scope and Application

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2023I applies specifically to the appointment of Todd Crawford as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council, a body integral to providing expert advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This instrument is issued under the authority of subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 and pertains to the Commonwealth level, thereby establishing Todd Crawford's role within the federal legislative framework. His appointment is for a three-year term, commencing the day after the instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. The legislation does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the scope of the appointment itself. The authority to appoint members to the Australian Statistics Advisory Council can be extended or further defined through subordinate instruments as necessary, ensuring the council's composition remains aligned with its advisory role to the ABS.

Key Provisions

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2023I, dated 4 October 2023, appoints Todd Crawford as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) on a part-time basis, for a period of three years from the day following its registration on the Federal Register of Legislation (section 1). This appointment is made under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 by Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury, and follows the authority granted by the Act to make such appointments. Under this appointment, Todd Crawford is required to provide advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on matters related to the functions and operations of the ABS, ensuring that the statistical needs of the nation are met with the highest standards of integrity, objectivity, and impartiality. The ASAC plays a crucial role in advising the ABS on the strategic direction of its work, the quality of its outputs, and the alignment of its activities with broader statistical policy objectives (section 2). Todd Crawford, as a member of the ASAC, must adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 and any relevant regulations. These obligations include participating in regular meetings, contributing to the development of policies and strategies, and ensuring that the council’s advice is based on sound statistical principles and best practices. The ASAC member is also expected to maintain confidentiality regarding statistical information and to act in the best interest of the public (section 3). Failure to comply with the obligations and requirements set out in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 can lead to various consequences. While the specific offences and penalties are not detailed in the notifiable instrument, breaches of the Act may result in legal action under the broader legislative framework governing the ABS. This could include civil or criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. The maximum penalties for breaches of the Act can include substantial fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment (section 4).