Part 1 – Principal Member’s Report

Principal Member

‘I am very pleased to report that the tribunals made a record 24,729 decisions in 2013–14 ’

This year has been one of innovation and achievement for the tribunals. I am very pleased to report that the tribunals made a record 24,729 decisions in 2013–14. This is a significant milestone and I want to acknowledge and congratulate the members and staff of the tribunals for their efforts in bringing this about.

Our performance this year represents a significant turnaround for the tribunals. A primary aim for the year was to reduce the number of active cases on hand. I am very pleased to report that our active caseload is now in steady decline. For our applicants this means improved service and speedier finalisations. By adopting new work practices, we have been able to significantly reduce the number of cases on hand in the student refusal, student cancellation and skilled caseloads. Increasingly, we are able to say that we deliver reviews that are fair, just, economical, informal and quick.

Processing efficiencies in 2013–14 were achieved by expanding the hearing list format in the MRT caseload, continued use of member specialisation, and changes to decision writing. A practice direction setting out requirements for representatives during the conduct of RRT reviews will make the refugee review process smoother and more efficient for all parties. Our online lodgement facility, launched in January 2014, is already the most preferred mode of lodgement for new applications.

The tribunals plan to further reduce the active caseload in 2014–15. The caseload strategy reflects our overall objective to reduce the active caseload over the next three years to around half our annual lodgements. This level of cases on hand will mean that the tribunals will be able to consistently deliver a timely, high quality service to our applicants. Further innovations and efficiencies will be pursued in 2014–15, with initiatives including extending the use of hearing lists to new parts of the caseload, moving to electronic communication with applicants, increasing the functionality of the online lodgement facility and updating our case management system.

On 1 July 2013, the tribunals’ Country Advice staff transferred to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Country of origin information services are now provided by the department under a service level agreement. The new arrangements also provide for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide country information assessments prepared expressly for protection visa decision makers.

During the year the tribunals continued our engagement with community stakeholders, through a monthly email newsletter and twice-yearly regular liaison meetings held across the country. Open days during Law Week and Refugee Week also provided an opportunity for the general public to visit our office and learn about the tribunal review process.

In the May 2014 Federal Budget, the government announced that the Migration Review Tribunal and Refugee Review Tribunal would be amalgamated with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (SSAT). The amalgamation is planned to take effect on 1 July 2015. The tribunals are working with the AAT, SSAT and portfolio departments on planning for the amalgamated tribunal.

I would like to acknowledge the very good work, dedication and commitment of staff and members during 2013–14, and I thank them for their hard work and support.