Please check this page regularly for updates.
On 7 December 2023, the Australian Government introduced legislation which will abolish the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and replace it with a new body called the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
All cases currently before the AAT will continue. Many cases currently before the AAT will be decided or finalised before the AAT is abolished. All decisions made by the AAT will remain valid and final.
Once the new body is established, any remaining cases will transition to the new body. If you have applied to the AAT for review of a decision and your case is transitioned to the new body, you will not need to submit a new application for review to the body.
If you would like to seek review of a Government or agency decision while the reform is being progressed, you should lodge an application for review with the AAT.
Further information about transitional arrangements will be made available as the reform progresses.
If you have specific questions about your case, please contact 1800 228 333.
Additional members of the AAT
The Government will be appointing additional members to the AAT to address the current backlog of cases.
Further information about the reform
For further general information about the reform, please visit the Attorney-General’s Department website.
Common questions and answers
Is the AAT still operating?
The AAT will continue to operate as normal until the reform takes effect. We will continue to consider applications for review of decision until the new federal administrative review body is established.
What will happen to my case?
All cases currently before the AAT will continue to be progressed. Many cases that are currently before the AAT will be finalised before the new federal administrative review body is established.
Once the new body is established, any remaining cases will transfer to the new body. You will not need to submit a new application.
Further information about transition arrangements will be provided to applicants before the new body is established.
Are all decisions made by the AAT still valid?
If your case has already been decided by the AAT, it is considered to be final other than any potential appeal to a Court.
The AAT has already reviewed my case and made a decision. Can I apply to the new body for my case to be reviewed again?
No. Cases which have been decided are finalised. They will not be considered again by the new federal administrative review body.
If you would like to appeal your decision, please refer to your decision notification letter for information.
Can I still submit an application for review of a decision while the change is happening?
Yes, the AAT will continue to consider applications for review of decision until the new federal administrative review body is established. Any remaining cases will transition to the new body once it is established.
You can submit an application for review of decision on this website.
When will the new body be in place?
The Government will consult on the reform and develop legislation for introduction to parliament in 2023. The timing and passage of legislation is subject to the consideration of parliament.
Applicants will receive notice prior to the establishment of a new body and be provided with information on the process of transitioning their case to the new body.
Can I apply to work at the AAT?
We are advertising vacancies and accepting applications for staff employed in the Australian Public Service (APS). You can find our current vacancies on the APSJobs website.
If you have questions about applying to be a member at the AAT or for the new federal administrative review body, please contact the Attorney–General’s Department for further information:
Where can I find more information about this reform?
Contact the Attorney-General's Department for further information:
Please note, the Attorney–General’s Department can only provide information about the reform process as more information becomes available.
If you need to ask questions about a current case at the AAT, please call us on 1800 228 333 or send us an email.