We can review a range of other decisions
The Tribunal can review many other decisions made under Commonwealth laws. We can also review some decisions made under Norfolk Island laws, and by state government and non-government bodies.
Freedom of Information
What we can review
We can review a decision made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 by an agency or Minister, if the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has:
- completed a review of the Freedom of Information (FOI) decision
- decided not to undertake or continue a review because the OAIC thinks it should be considered by the Tribunal.
We can also review some decisions made under the Archives Act 1983 and the Privacy Act 1988.
An application can be made by any person whose interests are affected by the decision, including the agency or Minister who made the decision.
The decision letter should tell you if we can review the decision.
How to apply
The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online.
To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review.
Find out more about using our online services.
You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.
Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:
If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post or email check our contact details.
When you apply for a review, we need:
- your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
- the date you received the decision
- a copy of the decision
- brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong.
If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include:
- the name of the department that made the decision
- a brief description of the decision
- the date the decision was made.
We can only accept an application made on behalf of someone else if you are:
- the person's lawyer
- holding a power of attorney for the person authorising the commencement of legal proceedings
- the person's appointed guardian
- the executor or administrator of the person's deceased estate.
When to apply
You must apply for a review of most decisions within 28 days after you receive the decision. For some types of decisions, it is longer and for others it is shorter.
You can check the decision letter to find out what the time limit is to lodge an application for review.
Requesting an extension
You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:
- when you lodge your application for review online
- when you fill in the application form
- by writing an email or letter.
What happens after you apply for an extension of time?
We will send a copy of your extension application to the agency or Minister and any other party. They have 14 days to tell us if they oppose the application.
If they do not oppose the application, we will generally make a decision without holding a hearing. If they oppose the application, we will usually hold a hearing before deciding the application. The hearing might be by telephone or in person at our offices.
We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.
Fees
You will usually need to pay an application fee to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The standard application fee is $1,121.
You should pay the fee when you lodge the application. We will not start the review until you pay the fee. If the fee isn’t paid within 6 weeks after the application is lodged, it may be dismissed.
Review process
After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.
We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. Along with you, the parties are:
- the person who made the original request for access to documents (if they are not the applicant)
- the agency or the Minister who made the FOI decision (if they are not the applicant
- any other person who is a party to the review.
If representing yourself, we will usually call you within 6 weeks after we receive the application to explain the review process and ask whether you need additional assistance, such as an interpreter.
The agency or the Minister must also notify any third party who was consulted about the documents that an application has been made to the Tribunal. A third party can apply to be made a party to the review by using the Application to be made a Party form.
You can look at the Freedom of Information Practice Direction [PDF, 290 KB] for more information about what happens after an application is lodged.
If the agency or the Minister claims that a document is exempt because its release might cause damage to Australia’s national security, defence or international relations, we will notify the Inspector-General of Security of the review.
You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.
Getting help for your review
It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.
Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish.
However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.
Yes.
You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.
If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us.
You can have someone to represent you such as:
- a lawyer or other professional person
- your spouse or partner
- a friend or relative.
If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible.
We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.
Your representative can:
- communicate with us on your behalf
- give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
- attend the directions hearing and hearing.
We will usually send documents relating to the review. If you have a representative, we will usually send documents relating to your review to them. They will organise for the documents to be provided to you.
You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative's details.
Look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 434 KB] for more information.
We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.
There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.
Yes.
If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.
For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.
Yes.
If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.
Visit our Help and resources page.
Regulation and discipline
What we can review
We can review decisions made by the:
- Australian Border Force
- Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
- Australian Financial Security Agency
- Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission
- Companies Auditors Disciplinary Board
- Tax Practitioners Board.
The decision letter should tell you if we can review the decision.
How to apply
The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online.
To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review.
Find out more about using our online services.
You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.
Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:
If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post or email check our contact details.
When you apply for a review, we need:
- your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
- the date you received the decision
- a copy of the decision
- brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong.
If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include:
- the name of the department that made the decision
- a brief description of the decision
- the date the decision was made.
We can only accept an application made on behalf of someone else if you are:
- the person's lawyer
- holding a power of attorney for the person authorising the commencement of legal proceedings
- the person's appointed guardian
- the executor or administrator of the person's deceased estate.
When to apply
You must apply for a review of most decisions within 28 days after you receive the decision. For some types of decisions, it is longer and for others it is shorter.
You can check the decision letter to find out what the time limit is to lodge an application for review.
Requesting an extension
You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:
- when you lodge your application for review online
- when you fill in the application form
- by writing an email or letter.
What happens after you apply for an extension of time?
We will send a copy of your extension application to the agency or Minister and any other party. They have 14 days to tell us if they oppose the application.
If they do not oppose the application, we will generally make a decision without holding a hearing. If they oppose the application, we will usually hold a hearing before deciding the application. The hearing might be by telephone or in person at our offices.
We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.
Fees
You will usually need to pay an application fee to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The standard application fee is $1,121.
You should pay the fee when you lodge the application. We will not start the review until you pay the fee. If the fee isn’t paid within 6 weeks after the application is lodged, it may be dismissed.
Review process
After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.
We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. Along with you, the parties are:
- the decision maker
- any other person who is a party to the review.
If you are representing yourself, we will usually call you within 6 weeks after we receive the application to explain the review process and ask whether you need additional assistance, such as an interpreter.
You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.
You can also look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 434 KB] for further detail.
Getting help for your review
It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.
Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish.
However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.
Yes.
You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.
If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us.
You can have someone to represent you such as:
- a lawyer or other professional person
- your spouse or partner
- a friend or relative.
If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible.
We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.
Your representative can:
- communicate with us on your behalf
- give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
- attend the directions hearing and hearing.
We will usually send documents relating to the review. If you have a representative, we will usually send documents relating to your review to them. They will organise for the documents to be provided to you.
You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative's details.
Look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 434 KB] for more information.
We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.
There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.
Yes.
If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.
For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.
Yes.
If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.
Visit our Help and resources page.
Security
What we can review
We can review adverse or qualified security assessments made by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
The letter notifying you of the assessment should tell you if we can review the decision.
We cannot:
- review a security assessment that has not been issued by ASIO.
How to apply
The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online.
To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review.
Find out more about using our online services.
You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.
Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:
If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post or email check our contact details.
Your application must include:
- your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
- the date you received the security assessment decision
- a copy of the security assessment
- a statement indicating any part of the security assessment you do not agree with, setting out the grounds on which the application is made.
We can only accept an application made on behalf of someone else if you are:
- the person's lawyer
- holding a power of attorney for the person authorising the commencement of legal proceedings
- the person's appointed guardian
- the executor or administrator of the person's deceased estate.
When to apply
You must apply for a review of a security assessment within 28 days after you receive the decision.
Fees
You will usually need to pay an application fee to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The standard application fee is $1,121.
You should pay the fee when you lodge the application. We will not start the review until you pay the fee. If the fee isn’t paid within 6 weeks after the application is lodged, it may be dismissed.
Review process
After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.
We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. Along with you, the parties are:
- the Director-General of Security
- any other person who is a party to the review.
If you are representing yourself, we will usually call you within 6 weeks after we receive the application to explain the review process and ask whether you need additional assistance, such as an interpreter.
You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.
You can also look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 434 KB] for further detail.
Getting help for your review
It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.
Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish.
However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.
Yes.
You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.
If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us.
You can have someone to represent you such as:
- a lawyer or other professional person
- your spouse or partner
- a friend or relative.
If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible.
We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.
Your representative can:
- communicate with us on your behalf
- give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
- attend the directions hearing and hearing.
We will usually send documents relating to the review. If you have a representative, we will usually send documents relating to your review to them. They will organise for the documents to be provided to you.
You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative's details.
Look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 434 KB] for more information.
We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.
There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.
Yes.
If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.
For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.
Yes.
If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.
Visit our Help and resources page.
Other decisions
What we can review
We can review many other decisions made under Commonwealth laws, including decisions about:
- childcare services
- civil aviation
- education regulation
- passports
- privacy
- unpaid employment entitlements.
We also review some decisions made under Norfolk Island laws.
The decision letter will tell you if we can review the decision
We cannot:
- review every decision made by the Australian Government or under a Norfolk Island law
- review decisions made under state or territory laws, or decisions made by local governments.
We are not always the first step in having a decision reviewed. In some cases, we cannot review a decision until there has been an internal review of the primary decision or the decision has been reviewed by someone else.
How to apply
The easiest and safest way to apply for a review is online.
To create an account and lodge an application online, you will need a valid email address and information about the decision you want us to review.
Find out more about using our online services.
You can download and fill in an application form and send it to us.
Alternatively, you can ask us for a review by:
If you want to lodge an application in person at one of our registries, or by post or email check our contact details.
When you apply for a review, we need:
- your name, postal address, telephone number and email address
- the date you received the decision
- a copy of the decision
- brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong.
If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include:
- the name of the department that made the decision
- a brief description of the decision
- the date the decision was made.
We can only accept an application made on behalf of someone else if you are:
- the person's lawyer
- holding a power of attorney for the person authorising the commencement of legal proceedings
- the person's appointed guardian
- the executor or administrator of the person's deceased estate.
When to apply
You must apply for a review of most decisions within 28 days after you receive the decision. For some types of decisions, it is longer and for others it is shorter.
You can check the decision letter to find out what the time limit is to lodge an application for review.
Requesting an extension
You can apply to us to extend the time limit to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this:
- when you lodge your application for review online
- when you fill in the application form
- by writing an email or letter.
What happens after you apply for an extension of time?
We will send a copy of your extension application to the agency or Minister and any other party. They have 14 days to tell us if they oppose the application.
If they do not oppose the application, we will generally make a decision without holding a hearing. If they oppose the application, we will usually hold a hearing before deciding the application. The hearing might be by telephone or in person at our offices.
We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit.
Fees
You will usually need to pay an application fee to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal.
The standard application fee is $1,121.
You should pay the fee when you lodge the application. We will not start the review until you pay the fee. If the fee isn’t paid within 6 weeks after the application is lodged, it may be dismissed.
Review process
After you submit an application, we will send you a confirmation letter explaining what will happen next.
We will also notify other parties to the review that we have received the application. Along with you, the parties are:
- the decision maker
- any other person who is a party to the review.
If you are representing yourself, we will usually call you within 6 weeks after we receive the application to explain the review process and ask whether you need additional assistance, such as an interpreter.
You can find out what usually happens next in the After applying section.
You can also look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF, 434 KB] for further detail.
Getting help for your review
It is important to us that you are able to fully participate in the review and present your case.
Our processes are informal and user-friendly. You can deal with us directly with little or no assistance if you wish.
However, we understand that you may need or want assistance with your review, or other kinds of support.
Yes.
You can deal directly with us (represent yourself) or you can ask someone to help and represent you.
If you have any questions about the review process, you can ask us.
You can have someone to represent you such as:
- a lawyer or other professional person
- your spouse or partner
- a friend or relative.
If you want legal advice or someone to represent you, it is best to organise this as soon as possible.
We cannot pay for any costs of a lawyer or professional person to represent you.
Your representative can:
- communicate with us on your behalf
- give us written evidence and written submissions on your behalf
- attend the directions hearing and hearing.
We will usually send documents relating to the review. If you have a representative, we will usually send documents relating to your review to them. They will organise for the documents to be provided to you.
You must tell us immediately if there are any changes to your representative's details.
Look at the Common Procedures Practice Direction [PDF 434 KB] for more information.
We can help you understand the review process, but we cannot give you advice about your case.
There are professional people (for example, lawyers) and other organisations that can help you with your review. You can find a list of places where you may be able to get legal advice on our Help and resources page.
Yes.
If you need an interpreter, please let us know. We will arrange for a qualified interpreter to assist, free of charge. Find out how.
For immediate assistance in your language, please contact Translating and Interpreter Services on 131 450.
Yes.
If you need assistance because of a disability, please contact us as soon as possible. We will try and make arrangements to help.
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service.
Visit our Help and resources page.
Fair, accessible and independent
We are completely separate from the Government agencies, departments and other organisations whose decisions we review. We are here to make sure their decisions are legally correct and fair.