17Membership of Council

17 Membership of Council

(1) The Council shall consist of the following members: (a) the Chairperson; (b) the Director; (ba) an officer of the Royal Australian Navy; (c) not fewer than 6 nor more than 9 other members. (2) The members referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (c) shall be appointed by the Governor‑General as part‑time members. (2A) The member referred to in paragraph (1)(ba) is to be appointed by the Chief of the Defence Force as a part‑time member. (3) An appointed member shall be a person having knowledge and experience with respect to matters relating to Australian maritime history or with respect to any other area of knowledge relevant to the affairs of the Museum. (5) An appointed member holds office for such period, not exceeding 3 years, as is specified in the instrument of appointment of the member. (5AA) A person must not be appointed as a member referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (c) for a period if the sum of the following exceeds 9 years: (a) that period; (b) any periods of previous appointment of the person as a member. (5A) The naval member holds office at the pleasure of the Chief of the Defence Force. (6) The performance of the functions, or the exercise of the powers, of the Council is not affected merely because: (a) there is a vacancy in the office of Chairperson or Director; or (ab) there is no member holding office under paragraph (1)(ba); or (b) the number of persons appointed under paragraph (1)(c) falls below 6 for not longer than 3 months.