Administrative Appeals Tribunal
The AAT was established by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 (Cth) as a hybrid between court and administrative agency. The most significant underlying changes introduced with the AAT are the availability of review on the merits, and a right to obtain reasons for decisions.
The workload of the AAT has grown substantially from 275 applications in 1977-1978. In the period 2004-2005, the number was 7679. The major jurisdictions include taxation, veterans' benefits, social security and workers' compensation.
The AAT was designed to be accessible. Applications, once free, now cost A$777, except for veterans, social security beneficiaries, students, health concession card holders and the indigent, who account for about 80 to 85 percent of applicants. Fees are refundable if the application is successful.
Read more about this topic: Australian Administrative Law
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