• Summary
• Downloads
• Explanatory Notes
• Related Information
• Past Releases

Mr John MacLeod, Chairman, Australian Statistics Advisory Council 1996-2001

Mr John MacLeod’s appointment as Chairman of the Australian Statistics Advisory Council concluded on 30 September 2001, after five years in office and ending 18 years of distinguished service to Council. He was first appointed as a member of Council on 17 March 1983 and was appointed Chairman in October 1996.

He brought to Council extensive experience in the fields of economics, finance, investment and company business strategy having worked in large business organisations for many years both nationally and internationally. More recently he worked as a private economic consultant. He was one of Council’s longest serving, and most influential members.

As Chairman of Council, John was keen to identify and consider the important macro policy issues first, before seeking statistical solutions. John also regularly challenged Council to review how it might best fulfil its role in providing advice to the ABS and the Minister. Some of the important issues that John was heavily involved in as Chairman and as a member of Council included:

• the need for much greater emphasis by the ABS on the fast growing services sector including the information technology sector

• the policy issues associated with the ageing nature of Australia’s population

• the need for improved understanding of domestic and international financial arrangements