Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2026

Overview

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2026I, dated 12 January 2026, was enacted by Andrew Leigh, the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, under the authority granted by subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. This notifiable instrument was introduced to address the need for specific expertise and advisory capacity within the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. The policy objective of this appointment is to enhance the Council's capacity to provide expert advice on statistical matters, thereby ensuring that the Australian Bureau of Statistics can effectively meet its mandate to provide high-quality, reliable, and timely statistical information that supports evidence-based decision-making across various sectors. Cassandra Winzar has been appointed as a part-time member of the Council for a period of three years, starting from the day after the instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Scope and Application

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2026I is a notifiable instrument that appoints Cassandra Winzar as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council for a duration of three years. This instrument is enacted under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, and its scope is limited to the appointment of an individual to a council role within the federal government. The appointment applies specifically to Cassandra Winzar, who is to serve on the Australian Statistics Advisory Council. The jurisdictional reach of this instrument is limited to the Commonwealth, reflecting its federal nature. The instrument does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds beyond the scope of the appointment itself. It is expected that the scope of this appointment may be further defined or extended through subordinate instruments or other federal regulations, although these are not explicitly detailed within this notifiable instrument.

Key Provisions

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2026I establishes Cassandra Winzar as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council under section 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. This appointment is effective for a period of three years starting from the day following the registration of this instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation. This legislative instrument ensures that the Council, which provides advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on statistical matters, has a member with the required expertise and experience. The appointment of Cassandra Winzar as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council imposes certain obligations on her, including the requirement to participate in Council meetings, provide advice on statistical matters, and contribute to the development of policies and standards related to statistics in Australia. Given the nature of her role, Cassandra Winzar is expected to utilise her skills and knowledge to assist the Council in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities effectively. The part-time nature of the appointment also means she will likely have other commitments, requiring effective time management and dedication to the role. There are no specific offences, penalties, or consequences outlined within the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 2) 2026I. However, the broader framework under which the Advisory Council operates, as detailed in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, includes provisions for dealing with breaches of statutory duties. For instance, members who fail to fulfil their responsibilities or act in a manner contrary to the Act may face disciplinary action, including potential removal from office. While the specific penalties for such breaches are not detailed in the instrument, they would be subject to the legal processes and penalties outlined in the overarching Act.