Tribunals are usually less formal than courts and resolve a broad range of disputes, such as arguments between consumers and businesses, or between landlords and tenants.
The ACAT provides a forum to determine a broad range of civil disputes, requests for review of administrative decisions and professional and occupational disciplinary matters. In 2009 it took over the work of a number of existing tribunals and boards including:
The ACAT is responsible for the resolution of unit titles disputes and all civil disputes involving amounts under $10,000. It is also responsible for disciplinary proceedings relating to:
The Tribunal has wide reaching powers conferred by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008 to resolve disputes in these jurisdictional areas. It encourages parties to resolve disputes by agreement in conferences and mediations and holds hearings to make decisions when agreement is not possible or appropriate. Orders made by the ACAT can be enforced.
ACT Civil and Administrative TribunalACT Health BuildingLevel 4, 1 Moore StreetCanberra, ACT
T: (02) 62071740W: www.acat.act.gov.au
A variety of firms and organisations can provide advice about proceedings before the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal. These include solicitors, community legal centres, Legal Aid ACT and the ACT Law Society.
The Tenants Advice Service can provide advice to tenants or occupants about residential tenancy and occupancy matters. Comprehensive information relating to access services is available through the Commonwealth Government Access to Justice website.
Guidelines under the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008 define how legal assistance may be granted a review of an administrative decision. Legal assistance is granted on the discretion that the Attorney-General is satisfied in regard to hardship and reasonableness of the application.
The Guidelines provide the definition in relation to "hardship" and the consideration afforded to financial circumstances of the applicant. The Guidelines also outline other considerations undertaken that may relate to an application. Assistance may be declined by the Attorney-General, or special conditions may be imposed, in a number of circumstances. These are expanded on in the Guidelines.
Assistance may be declined by the Attorney-General, or special conditions may be imposed, in a number of circumstances. These are expanded on in the Guidelines.
Guidelines for the Provision of Legal Assistance(Section 22T ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008)
Written applications should be directed to:
Attorney-GeneralACT Legislative AssemblyGPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601
Apart from the ACAT, other tribunals and similar bodies that operate in the ACT are:
For information about Commonwealth tribunals operating in the ACT visit the Federal Attorney-General's Department website.
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