The system of alternates has become less useful over the years and the Council came to consider it an inefficient use of resources. The Panel will consist of a member for each state and an additional member from each of Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia. For these purposes, the ACT will be considered with NSW and the NT with South Australia. The new system, if ratified in November, comes into operation on 1 January. Two of the former Public Member Alternates, Dee Biggs and Guiliano Ursini, will be added to the seven existing Public Members to be a part of the panel.
Members serve three-year terms.
Under new rules adopted by the Council, Public and Journalist Members will be able to renominate twice. If the Chairman agrees to recommend a further term for the members, they are reappointed. At the end of their third term, the position will be declared vacant and advertised. The member can reapply but will be considered with all other nominees. The current members' terms will be considered from their first appointment to the Council as Members, and if they have already served three terms, their positions will be declared vacant when their current term expires.