The Advisory Council on the Status of Women was established in 1977 to advise the minister responsible for administering the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act on such matters relating to the status of women as are referred for consideration by the minister, and to bring to the attention of the minister matters of interest and concern to women. The Council may receive and hear petitions and suggestions concerning the status of women; undertake and recommend research on matters relevant to the status of women; recommend and participate in programs concerning the status of women; propose legislation, policies and practices to promote equality of opportunity and status; and publish reports, studies and recommendations. In 1996 the Council absorbed the Women's Directorate, responsible for developing legislation and government policy and programs relating to the status of women. In January 2011, responsibility for the Council was assigned to the Department of Labour and Advanced Education, formerly Labour and Workforce Development, with the deputy minister becoming the chief executive officer.