For the purposes of this website, the entities referred to as Australian Government boards are those that:
- the Australian Government has some control or influence over the selection or approval of board members; and
- are included in the annual Gender Balance on Australian Government Boards report.
Australian Government boards may be categorised as:
- Bodies covered by the public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013
- Ministerial Advisory Committees
- Review committees where appointments are made by a Minister or the Cabinet
- Commonwealth statutory authorities
The role of an Australian Government board can vary considerably between:
- Governance - ensure corporate compliance and management accountability; endorse strategic plans
- Regulatory - coordinate policies, plans or projects within and across portfolios
- Registration, appeal and coordination - determine standards, monitor and regulate practice, grant licenses; investigate complaints and make judgements; and
- Advisory - advice and make recommendations on policies, plans and practices.