Administrative and Judicial Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Attorney-General introduced the bill to improve the efficiency of the Administrative Review Tribunal and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. Key measures included allowing oral reasons for decisions in certain cases and introducing identity verification for migration and protection reviews. The government argued these changes would reduce delays and protect the integrity of the review system. The debate was adjourned without a final vote recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

2. Monday 17 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the need to amend legislation governing the Administrative Review Tribunal, which replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The speaker argued that the new tribunal had failed to meet efficiency targets, citing a doubled caseload and increased processing times despite significant government investment. While the speaker supported the bill's practical reforms to improve tribunal efficiency and finality, they contended that the legislation was primarily a corrective measure for previous design flaws. The coalition indicated it would support the bill but emphasized the need for greater transparency regarding the tribunal's performance.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary

3. Monday 17 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
   See who spoke

4. Tuesday 18 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned amendments to improve the efficiency of the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) and the Federal Circuit and Family Court, particularly regarding migration caseloads. Key measures included allowing oral reasons for decisions, expanding registrar powers to dismiss hopeless applications, and introducing identity verification for migration reviews. Labor members supported the bill as necessary maintenance to reduce backlogs and restore integrity after replacing the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Coalition supported the practical reforms but criticised the government for the cost and ongoing issues with the new tribunal. Independent member Monique Ryan moved an amendment opposing specific provisions due to concerns about procedural fairness for vulnerable applicants, which was not carried.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and resumed as a standing item for the following sitting.

   Read the full summary

5. Thursday 20 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on amendments to the Administrative Review Tribunal Act and Migration Act aimed at improving efficiency and integrity in migration and protection reviews. Government members argued that reforms such as oral reasons, registrar dismissal powers, and identity verification were necessary to address significant backlogs and unmeritorious applications. Independent members opposed these specific measures, arguing they undermined procedural fairness and placed undue burdens on vulnerable, often unrepresented applicants. The government rejected a second reading amendment seeking exemptions for protection visa matters and stricter safeguards.

   Outcome: The government did not support the amendment proposed by the member for Kooyong.

   Read the full summary

6. Thursday 20 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
   See who spoke

7. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
   See who spoke

8. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the Administrative and Judicial Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, which aimed to improve the efficiency of the Administrative Review Tribunal and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The Minister argued that the reforms would reduce delays and manage caseloads by allowing oral reasons for decisions and introducing identity verification for migration reviews. The bill included safeguards for vulnerable applicants in social security and disability cases. The debate was adjourned without a final vote recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

   Read the full summary