The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) is an independent body in Australia, that reviews decisions made by government departments and agencies. The AAT hears a wide range of cases across various areas of administrative decision-making. The most common types of cases heard at the AAT include:
- child support
- farm household support
- Commonwealth workers’ compensation
- family assistance, paid parental leave, social security, and student assistance
- migration and refugee visas and visa-related decisions
- taxation
- veterans’ entitlements.
They also review decisions relating to:
- Australian citizenship
- bankruptcy
- civil aviation
- corporations and financial services regulation
- customs
- freedom of information
- the National Disability Insurance Scheme
- passports and
- security assessments by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
- a small number of Norfolk Island laws, including decisions about building, land valuation, and planning.
A few of the above-listed are discussed below:
Migration and Visa Appeals: This is one of the most common cases at the AAT. It includes appeals against visa refusals, cancellations, and other migration-related decisions by the Department of Home Affairs.
Social Security and Welfare: Cases related to decisions about social security payments, disability support pensions, Newstart allowances, and other welfare benefits are frequently heard at the AAT.
Taxation Appeals: The AAT reviews decisions made by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regarding income tax assessments, GST matters, and other taxation issues.
Child Support and Family Assistance: Appeals against decisions made by the Department of Social Services regarding child support payments and family assistance matters are also common.
Veterans’ Affairs: The AAT reviews decisions made by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including those related to pensions, compensation claims, and health care for veterans.
Freedom of Information (FOI): Cases involving access to government-held information under the Freedom of Information Act are heard at the AAT.
Migration Review Tribunal: Appeals related to decisions made by the Minister for Immigration or the Department of Home Affairs about the refusal or cancellation of certain visas are heard in this context.
Security Clearances: The AAT reviews decisions regarding security clearances and employment bans based on security assessments.
Professional Registration and Disciplinary Matters: The AAT hears cases involving the registration and discipline of professionals in various fields, such as health practitioners, lawyers, and teachers.
Employment and Workplace Relations: Matters related to employment disputes, unfair dismissals, and decisions by government agencies in the employment sector can also be appealed at the AAT.
Student Visa Appeals: Appeals against decisions related to student visas and education-related matters are also common.
Migration Health Assessments: Cases involving decisions related to medical assessments required for visa applications are also heard at the AAT.
If you are looking for specific information about the cases currently heard at the AAT in a particular jurisdiction, it’s advisable to refer to the official AAT website or contact relevant authorities for more information.