19Constitution of Council

19 Constitution of Council

(1) The Council shall consist of: (a) a President; (c) the person for the time being occupying, or performing the duties of, the position in the Australian Public Service known as Director‑General, Australian International Development Assistance Bureau, or a person nominated by the Director‑General; and (d) not fewer than 9 nor more than 11 other members. (2) The members referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (d) shall be appointed by the Minister. (2A) A person cannot be appointed as a member of the Council if the person is a Commissioner. (3) In appointing persons under subsection (2): (a) the Minister shall have regard to: (i) the knowledge of the persons concerning agricultural problems of developing countries; or (ii) the experience of the persons in organizing or conducting agricultural research; and (b) the Minister shall ensure that a substantial number of the members of the Council are residents of countries other than Australia. (4) An appointed member of the Council: (a) shall be appointed to be a part‑time member; and (b) holds office for such term, not exceeding 3 years, as is specified in the instrument of his or her appointment. (5) The performance of the functions of the Council is not affected by reason only of the existence of either or both of the following circumstances: (a) a vacancy in the office of President; (c) the number of members referred to in paragraph (1)(d) having fallen below 9 for a period of not more than 3 months. (6) The appointment of a person under subsection (2) is not invalidated, and shall not be called in question, by reason of a defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, his or her appointment.