People who want to challenge a decision made by the Australian Government will have a fresh opportunity to be heard following the establishment of a new independent review body.

The Administrative Review Tribunal commenced on Monday 14 October, replacing the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal, as part of significant reform of Australia’s administrative review system. 

The new Tribunal has the power to review decisions made under approximately 400 Commonwealth laws, including decisions about immigration and citizenship, social security payments, child support, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and taxation.

The Hon Justice Emilios Kyrou AO, President of the Tribunal, said at the Tribunal’s official opening that providing a pathway for people who disagree with a decision made by a minister, department or agency – independent of government – was a fundamental component of Australia’s democratic system.

More than 50,000 reviews are expected to be finalised in the new body’s first full year.

“Those decisions will have profound impacts on the lives of the individuals who seek review,” he said.

“(But) the Tribunal’s role extends beyond providing justice for individuals by overturning inappropriate decisions. It also contributes to improvements in administrative decision-making more generally and fosters good government.”

Under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024, the Tribunal must provide an independent mechanism of review that is fair and just, and as quick and informal as possible.

Justice Kyrou said the new Tribunal will take its independence very seriously. 

“I want it to be known as a tribunal which has efficient, transparent and user-friendly processes,” he said.

“I will work very hard to meet the public’s justifiably high expectations in the quality and speed of the Tribunal’s decisions and the accessibility and responsiveness of its processes to the diverse needs of its users.

“I am confident that all members and staff of the Tribunal will do the same and that we will succeed in meeting those expectations and earn the public’s trust and confidence.”

A full recording of the Administrative Review Tribunal’s opening ceremonial sitting will be available on our YouTube channel. 

Contact our media team on media@art.gov.au or 02 9276 5461.