Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2021

Overview

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2021 is a legislative instrument issued under the authority of the Assistant Treasurer, Michael Sukkar, pursuant to subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. This instrument was enacted to fill a vacancy on the Australian Statistics Advisory Council, an advisory body established to provide independent advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on matters relating to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistical information. The appointment of Chris Barrett to the Council aims to ensure that the Council has the necessary expertise and perspective to effectively discharge its advisory role. By appointing Chris Barrett on a part-time basis for a period of three years, the instrument addresses the need for continuity and stability in the Council's membership, thereby facilitating the ongoing provision of expert advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Scope and Application

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2021 applies specifically to the appointment of Chris Barrett as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. This Act pertains to an individual, Chris Barrett, and does not extend to any other entities or industries. The jurisdiction of this Act is under the Commonwealth of Australia, falling within the purview of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. The appointment is on a part-time basis for a period of three years from the date of the signed instrument. The Act does not explicitly state any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, but it operates within the confines of the statutory requirements outlined in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. Furthermore, the application and scope of this appointment may be subject to extension or restriction through subordinate instruments issued under the authority of the relevant Acts.

Key Provisions

The main operative section of the Notifiable Instrument F2021N00090 pertains to the appointment of Chris Barrett as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) (section 1). Specifically, section 1 states that Chris Barrett is appointed as a part-time member of the ASAC for a term of three years, commencing from the date of this instrument. This appointment is made under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, thereby establishing the legal basis for Chris Barrett’s role within the council. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Act on Chris Barrett, as a member of the ASAC, primarily revolve around providing expert advice and recommendations to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on matters related to statistics, data collection, and analysis. As a member, Chris Barrett is expected to contribute to the development and review of policies, practices, and standards that ensure the quality and integrity of statistical data. Additionally, the ASAC, including Chris Barrett, is tasked with advising on the ABS’s statistical programs and ensuring that the statistical needs of the community are met effectively. In terms of legal consequences for breaches, the Notifiable Instrument itself does not detail specific offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for non-compliance with the ASAC’s advice or recommendations. However, the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 and other related legislation may impose penalties for non-compliance with statistical reporting requirements or for the misuse of statistical data. For instance, the ABS Act includes provisions that can lead to fines for individuals or entities that fail to comply with data collection or reporting obligations. Additionally, the misuse of statistical data for purposes other than those authorised by law can lead to criminal charges and penalties under the Crimes Act 1914. The specific penalties for such offences can vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the breach, but they can include substantial fines and, in some cases, imprisonment.