Skip to content

FOI disclosure log

Information routinely accessed under freedom of information requests

The AAT must publish information about documents to which the AAT routinely gives access in response to requests under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, except in certain cases. This is a requirement under the Information Publication Scheme.

Currently, the AAT does not routinely give access to any kinds of information that must be published under this requirement.

Disclosure log

Disclosure Log logo

The AAT must also publish a disclosure log on its website. The disclosure log lists information which has been released in response to an FOI access request. This requirement has applied since 1 May 2011.

The disclosure log requirement does not apply to:

  • personal information about any person if publication of that information would be unreasonable
  • information about the business, commercial, financial or professional affairs of any person if publication of that information would be unreasonable
  • other information covered by a determination made by the Australian Information Commissioner if publication of that information would be unreasonable
  • any information if it is not reasonably practicable to publish the information because of the extent of modifications that would need to be made to delete the information listed in the above dot points.

The information described in the disclosure log has been released by the AAT under the FOI Act and is available for public access. The disclosure log must be updated within 10 days of information being released under an FOI request.

A link is provided in the disclosure log if the information can be downloaded from this website or another website. Information that is not available on a website may be obtained by writing to the FOI Contact Officer or by sending an email to foi@aat.gov.au.

A charge may be imposed to reimburse the AAT for the cost incurred in copying or reproducing the information or sending it to you. You will be notified if any charge is payable and you will be required to pay the charge before the information is provided.

Information attached to, or referred to, in the AAT's disclosure log will generally be removed after 24 months, unless the information has enduring public value.

AAT Freedom of Information Disclosure Log

This disclosure log contains details of information released under FOI requests that must be published under section 11C of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

Information is published in this log within 10 days of the release of the information under an FOI request.Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au

FOI reference number Date of access FOI request Information published in the disclosure log Other information
2021/0164 3/12/2021

MRD case finalisation statistics for each financial year since 2016 split by representation status.

The number of MRD cases on hand for the same period, split by representation status. 

The number of MRD cases finalised (divided by finalised categories) for the 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 financial years, split by represented and non-represented.

The number of MRD cases on hand at the end of the 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 financial years, split by represented and non-represented

Released in full

Documents available on request at: 

LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2021/0176 26/11/2021

A request for access to:

“…all documents containing correspondence sent or received by the Registrar of the Tribunal that relate to the Tribunal's handling of Freedom of Information Request No.2021/0062, excluding:

  • any documents that the Tribunal provided to me on 31 August 2021;
  • duplicate documents; and
  • any documents that are already publicly available (e.g. questions on notice or answers to questions on notice)."
 21 folios of correspondence relating to the Tribunal’s handling of FOI request 2021/0062.

Partial access

Documents available on request at:

LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2021/0180

18/11/2021

1. Various AAT instructions, directions, suggestions, guidance, advice, templates, or policies relating to the AAT’s application of section 47C of the FOI Act.

2. The number of times a particular FOI Officer has refused or partially refused a request under s 47C

3. The number of times that same FOI Officer has had a decision to refuse access under s 47C changed, overturned, or not followed as a result of an application for internal review.

4. Documents which explain or elaborate upon what a particular FOI Officer, or any other Tribunal staff member, mean by the expressions “the finality of decision making” and “the public interest in the finality of decision making”

Four guidance documents relating to part one.

Two tables produced under s 17 of the FOI Act for parts 2 & 3.

Part one – documents released in full with irrelevant material removed under s 22 of the FOI Act.

Parts 2 & 3 – released in full.

Part 4 – refused – documents do not exist (s 24A of the FOI Act).

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2021/0161

17/11/2021
All documents relating to Questions on Notice LCC-BE20-126 and LCC-BE20-127 that were created by, or sent to, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal from 15 December 2020 to 27 May 2021, inclusive except documents from a specified administrative officer. 236 folios of correspondence relating to Question on Notice LCC-BE20-126 and LCC-BE20-127

Partial access

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2021/0165

10/11/2021

Various statistics relating to non-compliance in the NDIS division.

 Total number of non-compliance events listed for all cases (finalised and active cases) - National Disability Insurance Scheme - 2020-21.

Released in full

Document available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2021/0156

14/10/2021

Access to all documents relating to Question on Notice No. 4000 and Question on Notice No. 4001, both of which were placed on the Senate Notice Paper by Senator Kim Carr on 13 August 2021.

 176 folios of correspondence relating to Question on Notice no. 4000 and Question on Notice no. 4001 asked by Senator Kim Carr.

Partial access
2021/0063 28/09/2021

Various statistics relating to the MRD, G&OD and the IAA
  • Statistics on member  appointments under s.7(2)(a), (b) or (c) of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975
  • Number of cases constituted/allocated in the MRD and G&OD
  • Number of cases finalised in the MRD and G&OD
  • Publication statistics
  • Statistics relating to employment in the IAA

Released in Full
2021/0139 15/9/2021

Documents relating to the development of section 6.5 of the Guide to Workers’ Compensation Jurisdiction

Documents relating to the development of section 6.5 of the Guide to Workers’ Compensation Jurisdiction

Partial access
2021/0124 13/9/2021 Various statistics on NDIS cases before the Tribunal and operational information relating to the NDIS

Various statistics on NDIS cases before the Tribunal

Statistics released in full.

Operational information refused under s 24A
2021/0062 31/8/2021

Access to all documents containing correspondence or communications – or containing a record of correspondence or communications – between the Tribunal and the Attorney-General, the Attorney-General’s office or the Attorney-General’s Department in relation to questions asked by Senator Kim Carr and taken on notice by the Tribunal following Budget Estimates 2020-21.

1036 folios of correspondence relating to questions asked by Senator Kim Carr and taken on notice by the AAT following Budget Estimates 2020-21.

Partial access

Document available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2021/0130 24/8/2021
  1. Total number of cases before the NDIS Division between 1 July 2021 to 31 June 2021
  2. The total number of active NDIA cases before the AAT where at least one case conference occurred between 01 July 2020 - 31 June 2021

Total number of cases before the NDIS Division between 1 July 2021 to 31 June 2021.

Part 1 released in full

Part 2 refused under s 24A
2021/0127 23/8/2021

Statistics on the number of decisions made by a former Tribunal Member
  • Report of all decisions made by a former Tribunal Member, sourced from our current case management system
  • Report of protection visa decisions made by a former Tribunal Member, sourced from our current case management system for the period from 1 April 2006 to 30 June 2017

Released in full

Document available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2021/0101 6/07/2021

Request for the Immigration Assessment Authority (IAA) expenditure by line item for the last five years. 
Immigration Assessment Authority’s expenditure by line item for the financial years 1 July 2016 until 31 May 2021.

Full access

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2021/0061 2/06/2021

Access to all documents containing correspondence or communications – or containing a record of correspondence or communications – between the Tribunal and the Attorney-General, the Attorney-General’s office or the Attorney-General’s Department in relation to questions asked by Senator Kim Carr and taken on notice by the Tribunal following Additional Estimates 2019-20.

261 folios of correspondence relating to questions asked by Senator Kim Carr and taken on notice by the AAT following Additional Estimates 2019-20.

Partial access

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2021/0046 2/06/2021

Access to various statistics relating to applications for review of Comcare decisions and documents relating to the production of the AAT Guide Workers’ Compensation Jurisdiction.
  • For the period 1 July 2015 until 31 March 2021, the number of times the AAT dismissed an application under section 42A(5) of the AAT Act where the Respondent is Comcare; and
  • A list of these cases where information is publicly available on Austlii (with the Austlii citation).
  • Guide to the Workers’ Compensation Jurisdiction – 1st Edition (March 2007)
  • Guide to the Workers’ Compensation Jurisdiction – 2nd Edition (September 2013)

Partial access

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2021/0036 29/03/2021

For each calendar year from 2016 to 2019 inclusively, the completion date of the first finalised:
a) fraud-risk assessment for purposes of s10(a) of the Rule, and
b) fraud/compliance audit implemented for purposes of s10(b/d) of the Rule.

Record of completion dates for finalised reports complying with the PGPA Rule 2014, for the years 2016 to 2019 inclusively.

Full access

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2020/0088 28/08/2020

Any guidance materials used by Registry Staff in the Migration and Refugee Division (MRD) to determine whether or not late applications are valid.

Various MRD guidance materials regarding the validity of applications.

Partial access

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2020/0085 28/08/2020

A document that contains a list of all the position/job titles of every non-APS contractor working within your department.

List of contractors working at the AAT as at 17 August 2020.

Partial access

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2020/0083 28/07/2020

Statistics relating to applications for review of decisions by the Department of Home Affairs to refuse an application for a Protection visa made by citizens of Saudi Arabia.

Statistics relating to applications for review of decisions by the Department of Home Affairs to refuse an application for a protection visa made by citizens of Saudi Arabia (as at 3 August 2020).

Partial access

Certain information redacted pursuant to sections 37 and 47F of the FOI Act.

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2020/0071 28/07/2020

Data concerning the number of applicants who had legal representation in the NDIS division for the period 1 January 2019 to 31 January 2020.

Statistics relating to applications for review of decisions under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 that were finalised from 1 January 2019 to 31 January 2020.

Partial access

Parts A & B released in full.
Parts C & D refused under s 24A of the FOI Act.

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2020/0070 28/07/2020

The number of applications lodged in the Veterans’ Appeals Division for the following periods: 

  •  1 July 2018 to 31 December 2018,
  • 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019,
  • 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019, and 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2020.

Applications lodged to the Veterans’ Appeals Division of the AAT for specified periods, as at 23 July 2020.

Full access

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2020/0046 17/07/2020 Access to statistics and data on the decision-making patterns of individual decision makers from the AAT's Refugee Division from 1 January 2015 to 18 May 2020.

Statistics relating to applications for review of decisions about protection visas under Part 7 of the Migration Act 1958 dealt with in the Migration and Refugee Division - By members - For applications finalised from 1 January 2015 to 18 May 2020.

Reports on the date each decision maker was appointed between 1 July 2015 to 18 May 2020.

Partial access 

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2020/0040 10/07/2020 The total number of Ministerial Intervention referrals per financial year under s 351 and s 417 of the Migration Act 1958 made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Number of referrals made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for consideration to be given to Ministerial intervention under section 351 or 417 of the Migration Act 1958

Full access

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2019/0125 7/02/2020 Access to statistics and data on the decision-making patterns of individual decision makers from the AAT's Refugee Division from 1 January 2015 to 5 December 2019. Statistics relating to applications for review of decisions about protection visas under Part 7 of the Migration Act 1958 dealt with in the Migration and Refugee Division - By members - For applications finalised from 1 January 2015 to 5 December 2019

Full access

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2019/55 19/09/19 All legal commentary produced by the Migration and Refugee Division's Legal Services team including: - all chapters of the MRD Procedural Law Guide - all chapters of the IAA Procedural Law Guide; and - all other Legal Commentary addressing substantive migration law issues (other than the Guide to Refugee Law). MRD Procedural Law Guide
Part 1 – Chapters 1-6
Part 2 – Chapters 7-11
Part 3 – Chapters 12-22
Part 4 – Chapters 23-29
Part 5 – Chapters 30-32, 34-36
MRD Commentary
Bridging visas
Business visas
Cancellations
Family visas
Non-MRD
Other (MRD)
Partner visas
Skilled visas
Student visas
Visitor visas
IAA Prodecural Law Guide
IAA Procedural Law Guide		 Full access
2019/0036 31 May 2019

      A copy of the following:

  • Country Report: PAK34771
  • Country Report CX157167: Pakistan; Punishment/Consequences for Deserting the Pakistan Army, 11 July, 2006
  • Country Report: PAK34771
  • Country Report CX157167: Pakistan; Punishment/Consequences for Deserting the Pakistan Army, 11 July, 2006
Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2019/0029 7 May 2019 A request for access to a copy of the guidelines on vulnerable persons issued by the Migration and Refugee Division as in force in April 2017 Migration and Refugee Division - Guidelines on Vulnerable Persons – July 2017.  Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2019/0017 29 April 2019
  • A copy of statistics in relation to how many decisions under the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 have been made by the AAT since 1 July 2011.
  • Statistics relating to the outcomes of those decisions
Outcomes of Comcare reviews - Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 - 2011-12 to 2017-18 and 2018-19 to 31 March 2019
2019/0004 21 February 2019 Statistics relating to Standard Business applications Statistics relating to Standard Business applications  
2018/0056 20 December 2018 Procedural guidelines and training material for members to use when drafting AAT decisions. Procedural guidelines and training material for members to use when drafting AAT decisions. Documents available upon request  at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2018/0054 19 December 2018 Statistics on the number of RSMS/ENS Employer Nomination refusals and RSMS/EMS visa applications for the visa subclasses 187 and 186 that were filed in 40 different Queensland postcodes annually from 2012. Scope of the request was subsequently revised to:
  1. The number of RSMS/ENS Employer Nomination refusals where the applicant is based in Queensland.
  2. The number of RSMS/ENS visa applications for the visa subclasses 187 and 186 respectively, where the applicant is based in Queensland.
RSMS/ENS visa applications for the period 2012-2018 Part 1 refused under section 17(2) of the FOI Act. Part 2 released in full.
2018/0007 24 July 2018 Statistics on the review outcomes for unauthorized maritime arrivals by country from 2015 to present on 6 July 2018. Refugee UMA caseload outcomes by country of reference, 2015-16 to 2017-18 Full access
2017-18 88 26 July 2018 Documents relating to the accessibility of the AAT for participants with a disability.
  • General and Other Divisions – New Registry Procedural Manual – Chapter 1: General administration: 1.3 How to assist parties in dealing with the AAT;
  • General and Other Divisions – New Registry Procedural Manual – Chapter 2: Receiving, registering and checking an application: 2.2 Identifying an application for review;
  • General and Other Divisions – New Registry Procedural Manual – Chapter 8: Hearing related procedures – 8.4 The day of the hearing;
  • NDIS Disability Types for TRACS (a tribunal case management system);
  • AAT Guidelines for the Conduct of Hearings in the NDIS Division;
  • AAT Practice Direction – Review of National Disability Insurance Scheme Decisions;
  • AAT Accessibility Strategic Statement 2017-2020 enclosing AAT Strategic Plan 2015-2020;
  • AAT Website – ‘Accessibility’;
  • AAT Intranet – ‘Corporate – Accessibility’
  • AAT Service Charter;
  • Migration and Refugee Division: Guidelines on Vulnerable Persons;
  • Pre-hearing checklist for contact with unrepresented parties;
  • NDIS Principles.
  • General and Other Divisions – New Registry Procedural Manual – Chapter 3: Acknowledging receipt, listing T documents and outreach - 3.1 In this chapter; 3.2 Acknowledge receipt;
  • General and Other Divisions – New Registry Procedural Manual – Chapter 11: Managing applications in the National Disability Insurance Scheme Division.
Partial access was provided with some information removed under section 47E(d)
Two documents were refused under section 47C of the FOI Act.

Documents available on request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au
2017/18 72 03/05/2018 Access to the document titled '2016-17 appeals allowed.pdf' and/or any document containing the names of members who presided over the matters listed in '2016-17 appeals allowed.pdf' that also explains which member presided over which matter. Partial access was provided with information redacted under section 38 of the FOI Act.
2017/18 66 04/04/2018 Dates of AAT decisions that overturned bridging visa cancellations made under s116 of the Migration Act 1958 or the Code in the period from 27 April 2014 to 30 August 2016. Tribunal decisions made between 27 April 2014 and 30 August 2016, setting aside (S/A) DIBP decisions to cancel bridging visas Full access
2017/18 62 03/04/2018 Request for access to 14 AAT/Migration and Refugee Tribunal decisions to set aside bridging visa cancellations, where the bridging visa was cancelled under s 116(1)(g) of the Migration Act 1958 (Migration Act) and r 2.43(1)(p) of the Migration Regulations 1994 (Migration Regulations). 12 AAT/MRT-RRT decisions to set aside bridging visa cancellations, where the bridging visa was cancelled under s 116(1)(g) of the Migration Act 1958 and r 2.43(1)(p) of the Migration Regulations 1994. Partial access was provided with personal information redacted under section 46(b) and 47F of the FOI Act.
    2 decision records were refused under section 46(b) of the FOI Act.

Documents available upon request at LPExtFeedback@aat.gov.au  
2017/18 55 19/03/2018 A copy of Refugee Review Tribunal, Country Advice – Pakistan, No. PAK40523, dated 25 June 2012 Refugee Review Tribunal, Country Advice – Pakistan, No. PAK40523, dated 25 June 2012 Partial access was provided with personal information redacted under section 47F of the FOI Act.  
2017/18 48 15/02/2018 Part 1: Access to AAT procedures in relation to summons submitted by unrepresented and represented litigants;

Part 2: Any documents which would assist in understanding the origins of the policy, the legislation upon which the policy is based, and whether the procedure has been judicially tested. 		Full access provided with the exception of irrelevant information deleted or redacted under section 22 of the FOI Act.

No documents were found in relation to part 2 of the request. Access was therefore refused under section 24A of the FOI Act. 
2017/18 46 6/02/2018 All documents which contain information regarding which powers the Minister for Immigration has delegated to the Immigration Assessment Authority (IAA) and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) as well as the positions within the IAA and the AAT that have ability to exercise those powers. Instrument of Delegation 2015 Full access provided with the exception of some information which was deleted or redacted under section 22 of the FOI Act.
2017/18 42 22/01/2018 Access to all data, information or statistics for the past 6 months about the total number of NDIS applications which have been made to the AA T, the States in which the applications were lodged, and the proportion of applications that were lodged by a disability advocacy organisation. Applications to the AAT for review of decisions made under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 – 21 June 2017 to 21 December 2017 Full access
2017/18 39 30/11/2017 Statistics on the number of cases lodged against Comcare in the AAT by year, for the last ten years Cases lodged against Comcare in the AAT for the last ten years Full access
2017/18 38 6/12/2017 IAA Procedural Law Guide, chapters 1.5; 1.7; 1.8; 2; 3.2; 4 Full access provided with the exception of irrelevant information deleted under section 22 of the FOI Act.
2017/18 25 20/10/17 Average and median processing times for reviews of Subclass 187 refusals in the MRD, for the 2016/17 financial year. Average and median processing times for reviews of Subclass 187 refusals. Full access
2017/18 05 14/08/2017 Comments for the Australian Refugee Review Tribunal by C.A Thayer and RRT Research Response VNM31954 RRT Research Response VNM31954 Full access
2016/140 11/07/16 Copies of supporting materials, guidance or directions for Tribunal Members of the MRD, whether published or not, relevant to decisions to dismiss an application under s362B(1A)(b) of the Migration Act 1958, and to reinstate an application dismissed under s362B(1A)(b). Copies of any correspondence made internally or between AAT employees and government or judicial bodies regarding the above. Selections from Legislation Bulletin 02/2015 and Procedural Law Guide
Notification from MRT-RRT Principal Member to Members of the change to  legislation

MRD Fact Sheet - Attending a hearing

MR20 Fact sheet – Information about dismissal of applications		  
2015/1 07/08/15 Audio recordings and documents relating to the Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) matters of 1403464 and 1217571 Documents relating to the Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) matter of 1403464  
2014/11 29/10/14 Documents relating to 2014/2804 - Re Dank and Anti-Doping Rule Violation Panel Documents lodged with the AAT or generated by the AAT for the purposes of the case. Of the 17 documents within the scope of the request, 2 were transferred to another agency, 12 were released in full, and 3 were released with redactions on the basis of s 47F of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
  19/09/14 Application for review of a decision lodged with the AAT in 2013/1823 – Re Mineralogy Pty Ltd and Secretary, Department of Infrastructure and Transport Application for Review of Decision form lodged with the AAT Attachment to the application for review: email from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport to Mineralogy Pty Ltd  
2014/10 2/09/14 Copy of:
  • an email from Mr P Sweeney to the Assistant Treasurer dated 8 March 2014
  • correspondence from the Office of the Assistant Treasurer to Mr Sweeney dated 8 April 2014 responding to a Freedom of Information request
 An email from Mr P Sweeney to the Assistant Treasurer dated 8 March 2014 (PDF, 208 KB) Correspondence from the Office of the Assistant Treasurer to Mr Sweeney dated 8 April 2014 responding to a Freedom of Information request (PDF, 1.14 MB)  
2014/09 2/09/14 Copy of a Deed of Variation dated 26 August 1986 relating to a superannuation fund. Deed dated 26 August 1986 relating to the superannuation fund (PDF, 1.9 MB)  
2014/08 30/06/14 Copy of a Deed of Variation dated 20 November 1974 relating to “The Provident Fund”. Deed of Variation dated 20 November 1974 relating to “The Provident Fund” (PDF, 733 KB)  
2014/07 20/08/14 Application for review of a decision lodged with the AAT in 2013/1823 – Re Mineralogy Pty Ltd and Secretary, Department of Infrastructure and Transport Two documents attached to the application for review lodged with the AAT.
  • Notice of Declaration of Security Regulated Port – Port of Cape Preston made under the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003 dated 31 January 2013
  • Port of Cape Preston Operating Requirements issued under the Shipping and Pilotage Act 1967 (WA) and the Shipping and Pilotage (Ports and Harbours) Regulations 1966 (WA)
2014/01 10/02/14 Copy of a consolidated Deed of Variation dated 6 May 1958 relating to “The Provident Fund”. Deed of Variation dated 6 May 1958 relating to "The Provident Fund" (PDF, 3.08 MB)