The secretary shall appoint a state advisory council composed in each case of men and women and including an equal number of employer and employee representatives who are representative because of their vocation, employment or affiliations, and such members representing the general public as the secretary designates. The council shall aid the department in formulating policies and discussing problems relating to the administration of the Unemployment Compensation Law and in assuring impartiality and freedom from political influence in the solution of such problems. The secretary may also appoint industry or other special councils to perform appropriate services. Council members shall serve without compensation other than for wage loss sustained for attendance at formal meetings of the council or duly constituted committees. Members shall be reimbursed for any travel expense incurred in the same manner as employees of the department.