8Appointment of Commissioners

8 Appointment of Commissioners

(1) Commissioners (including the Chief Commissioner) are to be appointed by the Minister by written instrument. (2) A Commissioner may be appointed on a full‑time or part‑time basis. (2A) In appointing the Commissioners, the Minister must ensure that at least one of the Commissioners has a substantial connection to, or substantial experience in, a regional area through business, industry or community involvement. (3) A person must not be appointed as a Commissioner unless the Minister is satisfied that: (a) the person has appropriate qualifications, knowledge, skills or experience; and (b) the selection of the person for the appointment is the result of a process that: (i) was merit‑based; and (ii) included public advertising of the position. (4) Paragraph (3)(b) does not prevent the Minister: (a) taking affirmative action in relation to the appointment of women to positions; or (b) taking into consideration appropriate representation among States, Territories and local government areas in relation to appointments to positions. (5) Paragraph (3)(b) does not apply in relation to the reappointment of a person who, immediately before the start of the period of reappointment, holds office as a Commissioner under a previous appointment under subsection (1).