Commonwealth Grants Commission – Part-time Members – Appointments (No. 1) 2022

Overview

The Commonwealth Grants Commission – Part-time Members – Appointments (No. 1) 2022 Instrument, signed by the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, was enacted under subsection 8(2) of the Commonwealth Grants Commission Act 1973. The primary objective of this legislation is to address a gap in the representation and expertise within the Commonwealth Grants Commission by appointing part-time members. This initiative ensures that the Commission benefits from additional specialised knowledge and skills while maintaining operational flexibility. The appointments of Angela Jackson and Anne-Maree Tiernan as part-time members of the Commonwealth Grants Commission for a period of five years beginning on 24 August 2022 and 1 September 2022 respectively, aim to enhance the capacity and diversity of expertise within the Commission. This move is intended to better support the Commission in its role of providing independent advice to the Commonwealth Government on the financial aspects of federalism, thereby strengthening the integrity and effectiveness of the grants system.

Scope and Application

The Commonwealth Grants Commission – Part-time Members – Appointments (No. 1) 2022 Notice appoints Angela Jackson and Anne-Maree Tiernan as part-time members of the Commonwealth Grants Commission for a period of five years from specified commencement dates. This legislative instrument applies directly to the individuals named, impacting their roles and responsibilities within the Commission. The geographical scope of this Act is confined to the Commonwealth level, thereby affecting the national framework of the Commonwealth Grants Commission. The appointments are not subject to any stated exclusions or exemptions within the notice, and it does not specify any particular thresholds or criteria beyond the roles and duration of appointment. The Notice does not indicate any extensions or restrictions to its application through subordinate instruments, implying that its provisions are self-contained and directly applicable to the mentioned appointments.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the instrument (sections 1 and 2) detail the appointments of Angela Jackson and Anne-Maree Tiernan as part-time members of the Commonwealth Grants Commission. Section 1 specifies that Angela Jackson will serve for a period of five years starting on 24 August 2022, while section 2 specifies that Anne-Maree Tiernan will serve for a similar period beginning on 1 September 2022. These appointments are made under the authority of subsection 8(2) of the Commonwealth Grants Commission Act 1973, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The instrument imposes specific obligations and requirements on the newly appointed members, including adherence to the conditions of their part-time service. While the exact duties and responsibilities of the members are outlined in the Commonwealth Grants Commission Act 1973, the appointments require them to be available for meetings, consultations, and other activities as necessary to fulfil their roles effectively. Additionally, the members must maintain a level of impartiality and independence in their decision-making processes to ensure the integrity of the Commission’s functions. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences for breach stated in this instrument. However, any breach of the duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Commonwealth Grants Commission Act 1973 could lead to consequences under that legislation. The penalties for such breaches could vary but typically include potential disciplinary actions, such as removal from office, or civil and criminal consequences as prescribed by relevant laws. The specific penalties would be determined based on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any applicable legal frameworks.