(1)  There is established a body to be called the Scientific Advisory Committee.

(2)  The functions of SAC are to advise the Minister and the Secretary on–

(a) the listing and de-listing of taxa of flora and fauna; and

(b) threatening processes; and

(c) the criteria to be followed in the determination of critical habitats; and

(d) other matters relating to the conservation of threatened native flora and fauna; and

(e) the review and approval of listing statements.

(3)  SAC is to consist of 7 members to be appointed by the Minister of whom not more than 3 are to be State Service officers or State Service employees and of whom one is to be appointed as chairperson.

(4)  All members of SAC are to have special knowledge and experience in the sciences of flora or fauna conservation or ecology.

(5)  The members of SAC must collectively have expertise in the following categories and each member must have expertise in one or more of the following categories:

(a) vertebrate fauna;

(b) invertebrate fauna;

(c) vascular flora;

(d) non-vascular flora;

(e) taxonomy;

(f) marine ecology;

(g) freshwater ecology;

(h) terrestrial ecology;

(i) population ecology.

(6)  For the purposes of giving advice to the Minister and the Secretary under this section, SAC may consult with members of the broader scientific community as it considers appropriate.

(7)  Schedule 2 has effect in relation to the members and meetings of SAC.