The Australian Statistics Advisory Council was established by the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975.

Under subsection 18(1) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, the Council is to advise the Minister and the Australian Statistician on:

(a) the improvement, extension and co-ordination of statistical services provided for public purposes in Australia;

(b) annual and longer term priorities and programs of work that should be adopted in relation to major aspects of the provision of those statistical services; and

(c) any other matters relating generally to those statistical services.

The Act enables the Minister or the Australian Statistician to seek the advice of Council on these matters. The Council also offers advice to the Minister or the Australian Statistician when it considers it appropriate to do so.