Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2025

Overview

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2025I was enacted in 2025 to address the need for expert advice on statistical matters within the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This notifiable instrument was introduced under the authority of Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, pursuant to subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. The policy objective of this appointment is to enhance the quality and integrity of Australian statistics by leveraging the expertise of Catherine de Fontenlay, who has been appointed as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council for a period of three years. This appointment aims to ensure that the Council provides robust and independent advice, contributing to the continuous improvement of statistical practices and policies in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2025I, issued under the authority of subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, pertains to the appointment of Catherine de Fontenay as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council for a term of three years. This appointment is a specific administrative action aimed at enhancing the council's expertise and advisory capacity, and it applies directly to the individual, Catherine de Fontenay, who is being appointed. The legislation is of Commonwealth jurisdiction, as it relates to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which is an agency of the Australian Government, and thus it has a national reach. The Act does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds in this particular instrument, but it is subject to the broader provisions of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, which may include certain limitations or conditions on the council's operations and the members' roles. Any further application or restrictions of the Act are typically addressed through subordinate instruments or regulations, which may provide additional details or guidelines for the council's functioning and the members' responsibilities.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Australian Bureau of Statistics (Australian Statistics Advisory Council Member) Appointment (No. 5) 2025I (F2025N00837) notifiable instrument pertain to the appointment of Catherine de Fontennay as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. According to section 1 of the instrument, Catherine de Fontennay is appointed as a part-time member of the council 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 is made by Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, under the authority provided by subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 (section 2). The Act imposes several obligations on the parties involved. Catherine de Fontennay, as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council, is required to provide expert advice and recommendations to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on statistical matters. This includes ensuring that the statistical services provided by the Bureau meet the needs of the community and government, as well as advising on the development and maintenance of statistical standards and methodologies. The appointment stipulates that the role is part-time, which means that while Catherine de Fontennay must dedicate time and effort to her advisory role, she is also expected to manage her other professional and personal commitments accordingly. Breaches of the terms and conditions set out in the appointment may lead to consequences, although specific penalties or civil/criminal consequences are not detailed within the text of this particular instrument. Generally, failure to fulfill the obligations of a council member could result in disciplinary action, including possible termination of the appointment. Given that this is a notifiable instrument under the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, any significant breaches could also lead to broader administrative or legal repercussions, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. However, the specific maximum penalties or detailed consequences for non-compliance are not explicitly stated in this instrument but would be governed by the overarching legislation and relevant administrative guidelines.