Administrative Review Tribunal (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2024; In Committee

Continued the debate

Scarr moved an amendment to insert provisions ensuring the Principal Registrar appoints at least one registrar in each state, the Australian Capital Territory, and the Northern Territory. The amendment also required the Minister to establish at least one tribunal registry in each of those jurisdictions. This measure aimed to guarantee geographic representation and accessibility for tribunal services across all Australian jurisdictions.

Government response

Chisholm stated the government would oppose the Greens' amendment to reconsider past Immigration Assessment Authority decisions. Chisholm argued that matters finally determined by the IAA should remain final to provide certainty and closure. Chisholm noted that individuals had already accessed merits reviews and that judicial review remained the appropriate recourse for legal errors, asserting the new tribunal system was fairer than its predecessor.

Opposition response

Davey opposed the Greens' amendment, arguing it would reopen every refugee case finally decided by the IAA. Davey claimed this would significantly increase the tribunal's already high case load, leading to higher costs and delays for all applicants. Davey characterised the fast-track process as a logical response to previous backlogs and stated the amendment offered no public benefit.