Guides: Administrative Law : Administrative Law

What is Administrative Law?

Administrative law relates to the legal principles governing the relationship between the government and the governed. The exercise of power by decision makers, including the state (the Crown) ministers, departmental officers, tribunals, boards and commissions must be based on legal authority.

(from the Encyclopaedic Australian Legal Dictionary - Lexis Advance)

Courts and Tribunals

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)
The AAT provides independent review of a wide range of administrative decisions made by the Australian Government and some non-government agencies.
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The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) conducts independent merits review of administrative decisions made under Commonwealth laws.
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal
QCAT is an independent tribunal and part of the justice services division of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
Courts and Tribunals
A list of Australian Government Courts and Tribunals. Check individual sites for decisions.
Council of Australasian Tribunals (COAT)
COAT is the national body designed to facilitate liaison and discussion between the heads of tribunals.

Quick Links

Acts Intrepretation Act 1901 (Cth)
An Act for the Interpretation of Acts of Parliament and for Shortening their Language.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 (Cth)
An Act to establish an Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977 (Cth)
An Act relating to the Review on Questions of Law of certain Administrative Decisions.
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth)
An Act to give to members of the public rights of access to official documents of the Government of the Commonwealth and of its agencies.
Administrative Law Attorney-General's Department
The Attorney-General has policy responsibility for administrative law. This includes oversight of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and legislative instruments.