Administrative Law & Government Disputes
AAT Appeals
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) is an independent body that reviews a wide range of government decisions — from Centrelink and licensing to migration and professional registration. If a decision has gone against you, you may have the right to appeal. Strict time limits apply — usually 28 days from the decision.
⚠ AAT applications must typically be lodged within 28 days of the decision or review outcome. Missing this deadline can extinguish your right of appeal — submit your request now.
Does This Sound Like You?
Common situations we help with.
A government agency refused your application
You applied for a benefit, licence, or registration and were refused. You believe the decision was wrong — based on the wrong facts or a misapplication of the law — and want it reconsidered by an independent body.
Your Centrelink payment was cut, reduced, or cancelled
Centrelink has reduced or stopped your payments and you disagree with the reason given. You may have gone through an internal review that upheld the original decision, and now want to appeal to the AAT.
A licence or registration was cancelled or refused
Your professional licence, business registration, or accreditation was cancelled, suspended, or refused by a regulatory body. The decision affects your livelihood and you want to challenge it before the AAT.
The internal review upheld the original decision
You went through the agency's internal review process and the decision was upheld. The next step is the AAT — but you only have 28 days from that internal review outcome to file your application.
You don't know if your decision is reviewable
You've received an adverse government decision but aren't sure whether it can be appealed, which body reviews it, or what the process involves. You want a lawyer to assess your options before the time limit passes.
You're approaching the appeal deadline
You received an adverse decision weeks ago and realise the 28-day window is closing. You need urgent advice on whether to file an application now and whether an extension of time is possible if the deadline has passed.
How It Works
Get your appeal assessed before the deadline.
Describe the decision you received and when you received it. An administrative lawyer will assess whether the decision is reviewable, the strength of your grounds, and what the AAT process involves for your situation.
Submit Your AAT Appeal RequestSubmit your request
Describe the government decision, when it was made, which agency made it, and what outcome you are seeking from the appeal.
Grounds and merits assessed
A lawyer reviews the decision, identifies errors in reasoning or fact-finding, and advises on the strength of your grounds for appeal and the realistic outcomes.
AAT application and representation
Your lawyer prepares and files the AAT application, manages the hearing process, and represents you through to the tribunal's decision.
28 Days
Typical time limit to lodge an AAT appeal after an internal review — missing it can extinguish your right entirely
All 8 States
AAT appeal requests matched to administrative lawyers across every state and territory in Australia
Free
Initial consultation — understand your appeal rights and the strength of your grounds before committing to any action
Many Overturned
Many adverse government decisions are set aside or varied on AAT review — proper preparation and legal representation matters
Before You Appeal
Practical questions about the AAT process.
What types of government decisions can the AAT review? +
The AAT reviews decisions made under Commonwealth laws — including Centrelink and social security decisions, migration and visa decisions, ATO tax assessments, freedom of information decisions, professional licensing and accreditation decisions, and many others. The jurisdiction is broad but not unlimited — whether a specific decision is reviewable depends on the legislation under which it was made. A lawyer can quickly assess whether your decision falls within the AAT's jurisdiction.
Do I need to complete an internal review before applying to the AAT? +
For many types of decisions — particularly Centrelink and social security — you are required to request an internal review before applying to the AAT. For other decisions, internal review is optional or not available. The time limit for the AAT application typically runs from the date of the internal review decision (if one is required), not from the original decision. A lawyer can clarify the correct pathway and ensure you don't miss either deadline.
What happens if I miss the 28-day deadline? +
Missing the deadline does not necessarily end your appeal. The AAT has discretion to accept late applications if there is a reasonable explanation for the delay. However, that discretion is not exercised routinely — the longer the delay and the weaker the explanation, the less likely an extension will be granted. If you have missed the deadline, seek legal advice immediately rather than assuming the appeal is lost.
Is the AAT hearing a full re-hearing or just a review of the original decision? +
The AAT conducts a merits review — it looks at the decision afresh and can substitute its own decision for the agency's. This means you can present new evidence, updated circumstances, and arguments the original decision-maker did not consider. It is not limited to the record before the original decision-maker. This makes thorough preparation — including gathering all supporting evidence — critical to a successful outcome.
How long does an AAT appeal typically take? +
Timeframes vary considerably by division and complexity. Simple Centrelink or social security matters may be listed for hearing within 2–4 months. More complex matters — particularly migration and licensing cases — can take 6–18 months from application to hearing. Most matters go through a conciliation or case conference stage first, which can resolve the dispute before a formal hearing. Your lawyer can give you a realistic estimate once the matter is lodged.
What does it cost to apply to the AAT and is legal representation required? +
The AAT charges an application fee for some divisions — currently $1,102 for many matters, though fee exemptions apply for concession card holders and some other circumstances. Legal representation is not required but is strongly recommended for anything other than the most straightforward cases. The agency will typically be represented, so having a lawyer levels the playing field and significantly improves your prospects of a favourable outcome.
Have a question not covered here? Submit your request and an administrative lawyer will be in touch.
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