Australian Capital Territory
Explanatory Statement
Radiation Protection (Council Member) Appointment 2007 (No 4)

Notifiable Instrument NI 2007–515

made under the 

Radiation Protection Act 2006, s 68 (Council members)

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The Radiation Protection Act 2006 (Radiation Act) governs the establishment and composition of the Radiation Council (the Council).

The Council has the following functions: issuing licences; registering regulated radiation sources; providing advice to Minister on radiation issues; and exercising any other function allocated to it under the Radiation Act or another territory law.

Section 68 of the Radiation Act provides the Minister with the power to appoint the Council members.  The Council must include a member of the public, a radiologist, an expert person who has knowledge of the physical properties and or the biological effects of radiation and another person whom the Minister believes has particular qualifications or experience that would assist the Council undertaking its functions.  Each Council member is appointed for a period of not more than three years.

This instrument makes appointments under the Legislation Act 2001.  Accordingly, the instrument is a disallowable instrument.

The Standing Committee on Health and Disability has considered the appointments and has made no comments.

Dr Mervyn Despois is appointed as a member of the Council for a three year term commencing on 1 January 2008 and ending on 31 December 2010.

Dr Mervyn Despois is doctor registered under the Health Professionals Act 2004 and is a currently practising radiologist.  Dr Despois is a part time member and an ACT public servant.