Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 4) 2026

Overview

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 4) 2026I instrument, enacted by Dr Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, appoints Alex Heath as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council on a part-time basis, effective from the day after this instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. This appointment is pursuant to subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. The intent behind this legislation is to ensure that the Australian Statistics Advisory Council, which provides advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, includes members with diverse expertise and perspectives. This particular appointment aims to contribute to the Council's function of offering informed, independent advice on the activities of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, thereby enhancing the quality and integrity of the statistics produced by the Bureau.

Scope and Application

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 4) 2026I, issued by Dr Andrew Leigh, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, under subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, appoints Alex Heath as a member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council on a part-time basis for a period of three years, effective from the day after this instrument is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. This appointment is a Commonwealth instrument, extending its application throughout Australia, thereby impacting the operations and recommendations of the Council which provides advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on statistical matters. The Act applies directly to Alex Heath as the appointee and indirectly to the Australian Statistics Advisory Council and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, influencing their functions and decision-making processes. There are no stated exclusions, exemptions, or specific thresholds in this particular appointment instrument; however, the broader applicability of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 may include certain provisions that could affect its implementation. The application and interpretation of this appointment may be further refined through subordinate instruments or administrative guidelines.

Key Provisions

The Australian Statistics Advisory Council (Member) Appointment (No. 4) 2026I establishes the appointment of Alex Heath as a part-time member of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) for a duration of three years. This appointment is pursuant to subsection 19(2) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975. The instrument is dated 23 March 2026 and signed by Dr Andrew Leigh, who holds the positions of Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, as well as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer. The effective date of the appointment is contingent upon the instrument being registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. The obligations and requirements imposed by this instrument are primarily administrative and pertain to the formal appointment of Alex Heath to the ASAC. As a member of the ASAC, Alex Heath will be expected to contribute to the provision of advice to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on matters relating to statistical policy and practices. This role involves participating in meetings and possibly serving on committees or working groups, ensuring that the advice provided to the ABS is informed and comprehensive. Additionally, the member must adhere to the council's terms of reference and any guidelines or protocols established by the council or the ABS. Failure to comply with the obligations imposed by this appointment can result in various consequences, although the specific civil or criminal penalties are not detailed within the text of this instrument. Typically, under the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, any breach of the terms of appointment or failure to discharge duties responsibly could potentially lead to disciplinary action, including the possibility of termination of the appointment. Moreover, depending on the nature and severity of the breach, there could be broader implications under relevant legislation governing public service appointments and conduct, which may include fines or other penalties as prescribed by law.