statutory powers
The majority of Customs statutory powers, under legislation such as the Customs Act 1901 and the Customs Tariff Act 1995, rest with the CEO.
Section 4A of the Customs Administration Act 1985 allows the Minister to give written directions to the CEO about general policy to be pursued in relation to the administration of Customs, including the exercise of the CEO's powers. Any directions given by the Minister must be tabled in both Houses of Parliament within 15 sitting days of giving the direction. This power has not been exercised since this section of the Act was added in 1995.
A number of legislative provisions grant powers directly to the Minister - for example, the Minister may publish anti-dumping notices.