Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 1) 2026

Overview

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 1) 2026I, enacted by Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, appoints Michelle Dowdell as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council for a term of three years. This appointment was made under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, filling a necessary role within the Council to ensure expert guidance and oversight on statistical matters. The policy objective behind this appointment is to enhance the Council’s capacity to advise on the quality, relevance and timeliness of statistical information provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, thereby improving the overall statistical framework in Australia. This legislation reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to maintaining robust and reliable statistical data to support evidence-based policy making and decision-making processes across various sectors.

Scope and Application

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 1) 2026I, executed by Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, appoints Michelle Dowdell as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. This appointment is on a part-time basis for a term of three years, commencing the day after the instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. The Act applies specifically to the appointment of members to the Australian Statistics Advisory Council, an entity established to provide advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on statistical matters. The appointment pertains to an individual, in this case, Michelle Dowdell, and is subject to federal jurisdiction, reflecting the Commonwealth's responsibility for statistical governance and data integrity. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions in this particular appointment instrument, and its scope is limited to the administrative function of appointing a council member. The application of this Act is not extended or restricted through subordinate instruments in this instance, serving a specific administrative purpose within the federal legislative framework.

Key Provisions

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 1) 2026I, issued by Dr. Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, appoints Michelle Dowdell as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) on a part-time basis for a period of three years. This appointment is made under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 (section 2). The instrument outlines the terms and conditions of Michelle Dowdell's appointment, which commences on the day after it is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation (section 3). The Act imposes certain obligations and requirements on Michelle Dowdell as a member of the ASAC. These include participating in council meetings, contributing to the council's advice on statistical matters, and ensuring that her activities are consistent with the objectives and functions of the ASAC (section 4). The obligations also require her to maintain confidentiality regarding any information that is designated as confidential or subject to non-disclosure, in accordance with the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. Failure to comply with the obligations and requirements set out in the Act may result in various consequences. For instance, breaching confidentiality provisions could lead to civil or criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment, as stipulated under the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 (section 5). Additionally, any misuse of position or conflict of interest may result in disciplinary action or termination of appointment, further reinforcing the importance of adherence to the council’s ethical standards. The maximum penalties for such breaches, as outlined in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, can be significant, emphasizing the seriousness with which these obligations are regarded.