Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading

Continued the debate

Cash argued that the bill was necessary to fix a dysfunctional system created by the previous government's replacement of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal with the Administrative Review Tribunal. Cash claimed the reform cost one billion dollars and resulted in a caseload increase from 67,000 to 126,000 matters, with median case times rising from 30 to 68 weeks. Cash highlighted that student visa appeals had surged to 48,000 cases. Cash stated the Liberal Party supported the bill because it reinstated a fast-track on-the-papers review process similar to the Immigration Assessment Authority, which the Liberals had previously implemented to manage migration backlogs.

Government response

Stewart supported the bill, noting that while the Administrative Review Tribunal had strengthened integrity through merit-based appointments, operational issues persisted. Stewart explained that the legislation would allow the tribunal to make decisions on the papers for appropriate cases, rather than requiring oral hearings for simple matters. Stewart emphasised that permanent and protection visa matters were excluded from these changes to protect vulnerable applicants. Stewart argued the measures would reduce backlogs, prevent non-genuine applicants from exploiting the system, and ensure reviews were proportionate to the complexity of the issues.