A large number of Acts and legislative instruments allow people to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal for review of decisions made under them. The Tribunal is established to review these decisions (known as reviewable decisions).

The Tribunal has a President, Deputy Presidents, senior members and general members. There is also a Principal Registrar and staff. This Act deals with their appointment, functions and terms and conditions.

This Act contains the standard provisions applying to Tribunal processes. Other legislation can include provisions that apply in addition to, or instead of, these standard provisions.

Broadly, a Tribunal process for review of a reviewable decision includes the following stages:

  (a)   a person whose interests are affected by a reviewable decision applies to the Tribunal for review;

  (b)   the applicant, the decision - maker and potentially other persons become parties to the proceeding for the review;

  (c)   the President constitutes the Tribunal for the purposes of the proceeding by deciding which member or members will exercise the Tribunal's powers for the proceeding;

  (d)   the Tribunal conducts the proceeding, including obtaining evidence and holding hearings, directions hearings and dispute resolution processes;

  (e)   the Tribunal makes its decision.

Tribunal powers in relation to the proceeding are exercised by the Tribunal constituted for the purposes of the proceeding or, in some circumstances by the President or by members, the Principal Registrar, registrars and staff members authorised by the President.

The Tribunal reviews decisions on their merits. It may affirm, vary or set aside a decision - maker's decision. If the Tribunal sets aside a decision, it may make a substitute decision or remit the matter to the decision - maker to reconsider as ordered or recommended by the Tribunal.

After the Tribunal makes its decision:

  (a)   in some circumstances, a party may apply to refer the matter to the guidance and appeals panel for another review; and

  (b)   a party may appeal to the Federal Court, on a question of law, from the Tribunal's decision.

Special rules apply when the Tribunal's powers in relation to a proceeding are exercised in the Intelligence and Security jurisdictional area. This occurs if the proceeding relates to an intelligence and security decision or the President otherwise directs (for example where the President is satisfied national security information would be involved).

There are requirements for decision - makers in relation to giving notice of decisions and review rights and providing statements of reasons. These apply whether or not an application has been made to the Tribunal for review of the decision.

This Act also establishes the Administrative Review Council, with functions relating to the Commonwealth administrative law system. The Council consists of the President, the Commonwealth Ombudsman, the Australian Information Commissioner and other members appointed by the Governor - General. This Act deals with the appointed members' appointment, functions and terms and conditions.