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The Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Australia: the first decade

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

G. L. Peiris*
Affiliation:
University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Extract

A legislative package which transformed the landscape of Australian administrative law during the last decade by invigorating prosaic models of judicial review, has attracted attention throughout the Commonwealth as ‘an awesome leap’. A burgeoning bureaucracy, whose commitment to legal norms is all too often diluted by excessive zeal in the pursuit of administrative goals, and the perceived inadequacy of conventional restraints including legislative scrutiny, the supervisory jurisdiction of regular courts and internal checks operating at different levels of the executive hierarchy, have heralded bold, innovative approaches.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Society of Legal Scholars 1986

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References

1. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 (Cwth) as amended in 1977 and 1981, the Ombudsman Act 1976 (Cwth) and the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (Cwth); cf Riodan v Parole Board of the Australian Capital Territory (1981) 34 ALR 322.

2. 7th Annual Report of the Law Reform Commission of Canada 1977–78, p 14.

3. For a discussion of broad policy perspectives, see A. W. Bradley, ‘Administrative Justice and the Binding Effect of Official Acts’ (1981) 34 Current Legal Problems 1.

4. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act No 91 of 1975, ss 5, 6(1).

5. s 7(1).

6. s 6(2).

7. s 7(2)(b).

8. s 6(3).

9. s 8(1)(a).

10. s8 (1)(b).

11. s 19(2).

12. s 19(4).

13. s 21(1).

14. s 21(2).

15. s 20.

16. s 49(1).

17. Ibid.

18. Ibid.

19. s 51.

20. s 58.

21. Federal Court of Australia Act No 156 of 1976, s 5(2).

22. s 19(2).

23. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act No 91 of 1975, s 44.

24. Drake v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1979) 24 ALR 577 at 602.

25. Ibid.

26. Re Miller and Secretary, Department of Transport (1979) 2 ALN 671.

27. Re Drake and Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (No 2) (1979) 2 ALD 634 at 642.

28. At p 644.

29. Re Saverio Barbaro and Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1980) 3 ALD 1 at 12.

30. Collins v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1981) 36 ALR 598 at 602.

31. Re Nevistic and Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1980) 3 ALN no 7.

32. Re Becker and Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1977) 15 ALR 696 at 701.

33. See the case cited at n 27 supra.

34. ibid.

35. Commonwealth Administrative Review Committee Report (1971), para 299.

36. Committee on Administrative Discretions: Final Report (1973), para 172 (g) (iii).

37. New South Wales Law Reform Commission: Right of Appeal from Decisions of Administrative Tribunals and Officers LRC 16 (1973), p 70.

38. See ch 32(1) of the draft Bill accompanying the report referred to at n 37 supra.

39. The Law Reform Commission of Western Australia, Working Paper: Review of Administration Decision, Part I - Appeals (1978), para 4.17.

40. Re Stone and Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1981) 3 ALN No 81.

41. See the case cited at n 27 supra.

42. Ibid.

43. Ibid at p 634.

44. Ibid.

45. Ibid at p 645.

46. See n 32 supra.

47. Re Hewitt and Secretary, Department of Transport (No 2) (1982) 5 ALD No 28.

48. See n 32 supra.

49. Croft v Minister for Health (1983) 5 ALN No 30.

50. See n 27 supra.

51. Re Gungor (1980) 3 ALD 225.

52. Ibid.

53. Ibid.

54. Re Jeropoulos (1980) 2 ALD 891.

55. Ibid.

56. Re Vincenzo Barbaro (1981) ALN No 21.

57. Ang v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1979) 40 FLR 410 at 417.

58. Re Mulekas (1980) 2 ALN No 76.

59. Re Tcherchian (1977) 1 ALN No 20; Re Gemeyal (1979) 2 ALN No 5.

60. Re du Pont (1983) 5 ALN No 143.

61. Re Gallo (1980) 3 ALN No 9.

64. See n 51 supra.

63. Re Piscioneri (1980) 3 ALN No 6; Re Ostojic (1983) 5 ALN No 174.

64. See n 27 supra; cf G. D. S. Taylor, ‘The Deportation Jurisdiction of the A.A.T.’ (1981) Australian Administrative Law Service 5065.

65. Re Chan (1977) 1 ALD 55.

66. Re Sajatovic (1979) 2 ALN No 78.

67. Re McCutcheon (1979) 2 ALD 496.

68. See n 51 supra.

69. Pochi v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1978) 36 FLR 482.

70. Re Sullivan (1977) 1 ALD 46.

71. Akpan v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1982) 58 FLR 47 at 50.

72. Habchi v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1980) 43 FLR 230 at 234.

73. Suardana v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1980) 49 FLR 8 at 14, but see, for a more qualified approach, Re Ghosn (1982) 4 ALN No 21.

74. Re KB (1982) 4 ALN No 163.

75. Re Nardella (1980) 2 ALN No 55.

76. Re Purvis (1983) 5 ALN No 68; cf Re Radovanovic (1983) 5 ALN No 69.

77. See n 54 supra.

78. Re Fiumeni (1982) 4 ALN No 197.

79. See, for a striking illustration, Re SJ (1983) 5 ALN No 74.

80. See n 27 supra.

81. See n 31 supra.

82. Ibid.

83. Steed v Minster for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1981) 37 ALR 620.

84. See n 27 supra.

85. Re Grimley and Department of Transport (1978]) 2 ALD 689.

86. Re John Holman & Co Pty Ltd and Minister for Primary Industry (1983) 5 ALN No 154.

87. See n 31 supra.

88. Re Tombuloglu (1980) 3 ALN No 11.

89. See n 51 supra.

90. Salazar-Arbelaez v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1977) 1 ALD 98 at 101.

91. Cf M. D. Kirby, ‘Administrative Review: Beyond the Frontier Marked’ Policy – Lawyers Keep Out (1981) 12 Fed LR 121 at 145–157.

92. G. Reid. ‘The Changing Political Frank’Quadrant (1980) No 150. vol 24.5.12; cf. for a general perspective. R. Else-Mitchell. ‘Administrative Law’ in Spann. Public Administration in Australia (1973). p 273.

93. D. Pearce. ‘Courts. Tribunals and Government Policy’ (1980) 11 Fed LR 203.

94. The decision in Re Heffernan and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Authority (1978) 1 ALD 220 was substantially reversed by the Defence Force (Retirement and Death Benefits) Amendment Act 1979 (Cwth). s 9.

95. Re Hospital Contribution Fund of Australia and Minister for Health (1977) 1 ALD 209.

96. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 7(1).

97. s 42(1).

98. Ibid.

99. Schedule. Pt xxii. cl 22(4).

100. Re Ladybird Children's Wear Pty Ltd and Department of Business and Consumer Affairs (1976) 1 ALD 1.

101. Cf D. R. Woodward and R. M. Levin. ‘In Defence of Deference: Judicial Review of Agency Action’ (1979) 31 Admin LR 329.

102. M. D. Kirby. ‘Administrative Law Reform in Action’ (1978) 2 Univ NSW LJ 203; cf M. D. Kirby. ‘Administrative Review on the Merits: The Right or Preferable Decision’ (1980) 6 Monash Univ LR 171.

103. Re Jeaves and Secretary, Department of Housing and Construction (1979) 2 ALD 337.

104. Western Australian Lamb Marketing Board v Export Development Grants Board (1983) 47 ALR 634.

105. Lehtovaara v Acting Deputy Commissioner of Patents (1981) 39 ALR 103.

106. Re Triangle Refrigeration Pty Ltd v Export Development Grants Board (1983) 5 ALN No 146.

107. Re Leach and Director-General of social Security (1983) 5 ALN No 136.

108. Re Yucesaz and Director-General of Social Security (1983) 5 ALN No 164.

109. O'Reilly v Commissioner of State Bank of Victoria (1982) 5 ALN No 46.

110. Re Zachary and Australian National Railways Commission (1983) 5 ALN No 41.

111. Rr Kelly and Australian Postal Commission (1983) 5 ALN No 49.

112. Re Ishak and Australian Telecommunications Commission (1983) 5 ALN No 88.

113. Re Schembri and Commonwealth of Australia (1982) 4 ALN No 165.

114. Repatriation Commission v Morcombe (1983) 5 ALN No 183.

115. Re Vognados and Director-General of Social Security (1983) 5 ALN No 78.

116. Defence Force Retirement Authority v Heffeman (1978) 21 ALR 709.

117. Re Moray Industries and Collector of Custom. NSW (1982) 5 ALD 97.

118. Re Upton (1977) 1 ALD No 150.

119. Re Hospital Contribution Fund of Australia and Minister of Health (1977) 1 ALD 209.

120. K. C. Davis. Administrative Law Treatise (1958). para 11.06.

121. See n 27 supra.

122. Bisley Investment corporation v Australian Broadcasting Tribunal (1982) 40 ALR 233 at 245.

123. Re Souphondavong and Director-General of Health (1983) 5 ALN No 151.

124. Re Karadis and Australian Telecommunications Commission (1983) 5 ALN No 81.

125. Borenstein v Commission of Business Franchises (1982) 5 ALN No 56.

126. Re Gissing Distributors Pty Ltd v Collector of Customs (1977) 14 ALR 555.

127. Re Grolier Enterprises and Howeth (1977) 1 ALD 10.

128. Re Z and Commissioner for Superannuation (1983) 5 ALN No 179.

149. Re Sewter and Commissioner of Police (1983) 5 ALN No 194.

130. Re Dobrowolski and Director-General of Social Security (1983) 5 ALN No 188.

131. Re English and Commissioner for Superannuation (1978) 1 ALD 476.

132. Re Duncan and Director-General of Health (1980) 3 ALD 18.

133. Re McKerrow and Director-General of Social Security (1983) 5 ALN No 33.

134. Re Hart and Director-General of Social Security (1983) 5 ALN No 67.

135. Re Aitken and Director-General of Sod Security (1983) 5 ALN No 106.

136. Re Kramer and Director-General of Social Security (1983) 5 ALN No 130.

137. Re Spagnola and Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1980) ALN No 125.

138. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 40(2)(a). reg 15.

139. s 61.

140. s 40(2)(c).

141. s 62.

142. Crimes Act 1914. ss 31. 35.

143. Re John Holman & Co Pty Ltd and Minister for Primary Industry (1983) 5 ALN No 154.

144. Re Georges and Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1978) 22 ALR 667.

145. Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs v Pochi (1980) 31 ALR 666 at 685.

146. Re Palmer und Minister for the Capital Territory (1978) 1 ALD 183 at 193.

147. Osmond v Public Service Board of NSW (1983) 5 ALN No 167.

148. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 28(1).

149. Ibid.

150. Ibid; see. for a slight qualification. Bisley Investment Corporation v Australian Broadcasting Tribunal (1982) 40 ALR 233.

151. Re Flyn and Secretary, Department of Transport (1980) 2 ALN No 116.

152. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 28(5).

153. s 28(2).

154. s 36(2).

155. s 29(2).

156. Re Frohlich and Minister for the Capital Territory (1979) 2 ALD 434.

157. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 37(a).

158. Re Palmer and Minister for the Capital Territory (No 2) (1979) 2 ALD 209.

159. Re Taylor and Department of Transport (1978) 1 ALD 312.

160. See n 158 supra.

161. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 38; cf Re Harkins and Minister for the Capital Territory (1978) 1 ALD 537.

164. Collins v Repatriation Commission (1980) 32 ALR 581.

163. See n 145 supra.

161. Pochi v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1978) 36 FLR 482.

165. Re Scholle Industries Pty Ltd and Collector of Customs (1983) 5 ALN No 86.

166. Re Byard and Commonwealth of Australia (1983) 5 ALN No 121.

167. Re Levona Pty Ltd and Minister for the Capital Territory (1983) 5 ALN No 65.

168. Re Mond and Secretary, Department of Housing and Constitution (1983) 5 ALN No 126.

169. Re Costello and Director-General of Social Security (1982) 5 ALN No 148.

170. Re Howard and Director-General of Social Security (1983) 5 ALN No 123.

171. Re Sussen (Wholesalers) Pty Ltd and Bureau of Customs (1977) 1 ALD 89.

172. M. D. Kirby ‘Administrative Review on the Merits: the Right or Preferable Decision’ (1980) 6 Monash ULR 171 at 180.

173. This is indicated by the booklet’ Your AAT Hearing - What Will It Be Like? published by the Tribunal in 1980 for the information of the public.

174. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 33(1)(b).

175. Collins v Repatriation Commission (1980) 32 ALR 581.

176. Re Roder and Department of Veterans' Affairs (1982) 5 ALD 103.

177. Re Kuswardana and Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1981) 25 ALR 186.

178. Re Greenham and Minister for the Capital Territory (1979) 2 ALD 137.

179. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 29.

180. See n 178 supra.

181. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 33(1)(c).

182. Collins v Ministers for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1981) 4 ALD 198.

183. Re Pochi and Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs (1979) 2 ALD 33.

184. Re Z and Commissioner for Suprerannuation (1983) 5 ALN No 179.

185. Re Rovere and Minister for the Capital Territory (1979) 2 ALD 350.

186. Barrier Reef Broadcasting Pty Ltd v Minister for Posts and Telecommunications (1978) 19 ALR 425.

187. See n 183 supra.

188. Re Pettifer and Director-General of Health (1982) 4 ALD 517.

189. See n 183 supra.

190. Re Firth and Minister for the Capital Territory (1979) 2 ALD 183.

191. Re Conners and Minister for the Capital Territory (1979) 2 ALD 819.

192. Vip Imre Ltd (in liq) D A-G of NSW (1983) 5 ALN No 101.

193. McClelland v Anil Industries Pty Ltd (1983) 5 ALN No 103.

194. Chamberlain v Cockburn (1982) 5 ALN No 150.

195. Sullivan v Secretary, Department of Transport (1978) 1 ALD 383 at 392. pn Smithers J; cf at 402–403. per Deane J.

196. Re Toner Distributors of Australia Pty Ltd and Collector of Custom (1980) 3 ALD 234.

197. Re Control Investments Ltd and the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal (No 2) (1981) 3 ALD 88.

198. Re Greenham and Minister for the Capital Territory (1979) 2 ALD 137 at 141.

199. Re Foulger and Repatriation Commission (1980) 2 ALD 789.

200. See n 196 supra.

201. H. Ragnemalm. ‘Administration Appeal and Extending Remedies in Sweden’ (1976) 20 Scandinavian Studies in Law. p 205.

204. See n 11 supra.

203. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 33(2).

204. Cf Rose v Repatriation Commission (1983) 5 ALN No 189.

205. Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. s 34(3).

206. s 34(4).

207. s 34(2).