What is the Administrative Appeals Tribunal?
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal is a more formal body than the SSAT. It is there to resolve disputes between people and government agencies. The AAT can review decisions of the SSAT. Appeals to the AAT must be lodged in writing within 28 days of receiving a decision from the SSAT, although a late appeal might still be accepted. Forms on which an appeal may be lodged are available from the AAT Registry in each State (GPO Box 9955 in each capital city). There is no charge for lodging an appeal in the AAT and the AAT will not award costs in social security matters. After you have lodged an appeal to the AAT, Centrelink on FaCS’ behalf, is required to lodge with the AAT a statement of reasons for the decision, including all relevant Centrelink documents. You will receive a copy of that statement. The AAT will then hold a conference at which you, or your representative can meet with a Centrelink representative. At this conference, the Tribunal will seek to clarify the issues and, if pos
