Administrative Review Tribunal (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2024

Stage by Stage

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

1. Tuesday 4 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The debate centred on correcting drafting errors in the legislation establishing the Administrative Review Tribunal, particularly regarding migration case backlogs and safety risks in child support matters. The Opposition criticised the government's rushed process and legislative mistakes, while the Greens supported the bill subject to amendments removing strict migration application requirements and extending timeframes. The Greens also proposed amendments to address past unfair fast-track refugee decisions and ensure tribunal registries in all states.

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2. Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The debate focused on government amendments to the Administrative Review Tribunal (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2024, which sought to correct drafting errors and extend review timeframes for detainees. Senator Scarr criticized the tribunal's performance and backlogs, while the Greens supported the amendments despite questioning the deferral of certain provisions. Members also exchanged data on historical appeal success rates and discussed the financial costs associated with previous tribunal decisions. The discussion highlighted concerns regarding legislative scrutiny and case backlogs under the new system.

   Outcome: The bill passed the committee stage with a division result of 38 votes in favour and 30 against.

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3. Tuesday 11 February 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Administrative Review Tribunal (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2024, which makes technical amendments to support the new Administrative Review Tribunal. Senator Scarr criticised the rushed passage of the original legislation and argued that the new bill was necessary to fix errors, particularly regarding child support document redaction. Senator Roberts opposed the bill, arguing that the previous tribunal was flawed and that immigration appeals should be removed from the new tribunal to facilitate deportations. Minister Chisholm supported the bill, stating it improves efficiency and fairness, and announced government amendments to address stakeholder concerns about retrospective commencement and immigration detention timeframes. The bill was passed after the second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time and agreed to.

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4. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · House of Representatives

   Consideration of Senate Message
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5. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated amendments to the Administrative Review Tribunal (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2024. The opposition moved an amendment to guarantee at least one registrar and registry in each state and territory, which was passed. The Greens moved an amendment to allow the Administrative Review Tribunal to reconsider protection visa decisions previously affirmed by the abolished Immigration Assessment Authority, arguing the prior process was unfair. The government and opposition opposed this second amendment, citing finality and administrative burden, and it was defeated.

   Outcome: The opposition amendment on sheet 3164 was agreed to; the Greens amendments on sheet 2882 were not passed.

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6. Wednesday 12 February 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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