The ART is an independent federal body as part of the Australian Government that has the power to review and change decisions made by government agencies, such as the NDIA. It is separate to all other government or federal bodies, and can review decisions made by Government agencies, departments and ministers.

As a tribunal, it is responsible for the resolution of disputes, specifically those pertaining to specific areas of the law. It is differentiated from a court as it is more informal, quicker, less expensive, and overall, more accessible. It seeks to resolve applications in a timely manner and remain responsive to the needs and circumstances of all applicants.

In 2024, the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) replaced the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, however all cases and documents transferred to the new tribunal. The ART seeks to ensure all decisions made by the government are fair, accessible, and independent, and improve the overall quality of any decisions made by the government.

The replacement of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal came out of a need for a fairer, faster, and more accessible committee, aiming to address this issue. They worked alongside People With Disability Australia (PWDA) to ensure the new tribunal addresses issues faced by disabled people with a focus on those with the NDIS. A significant change that came about as a result of this partnership was the transition in guidelines from the litigation guardian role to the new litigation supporter role. Previously, the tribunal was allowed to appoint someone to speak on behalf of the participant, whereas now, the participant can directly participate in the proceedings themselves, not through another role or person. This assists in improving the autonomy of participants throughout the tribunal process.

You can contact the ART for decisions you disagree with that are made by the NDIA. It can help with verdicts relating to access of the NDIS, disagreements with statements of support, decisions to not reassess or change NDIS plans, disagreements with decisions made by the NDIA regarding a child participant, or if you believe a different decision should have been made regarding appointing a plan or correspondence nominee.

The ART seeks to act as an unbiased and independent body, remaining fair, accessible and transparent for all. This means that everyone has equal opportunity to access and have their cases reviewed by the entity. The Administrative Review Tribunal achieves this by acting as a separate body to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission. The body sets out to provide unbiased reviews of decisions made by the NDIA, and in doing so, protect your rights and freedoms to contest, acting in your best interest.

How This Can Help You

The ART aims to make the process as easy and user-friendly for you as possible. The processes are informal and simple, to ensure everyone is able to access and participate in these services. Individuals are able to self-represent if that’s what they would prefer, or can be put in contact with representatives in their area through the Ask Izzy program. Additionally, you can bring along a support person or your own representative if that’s what you feel would benefit you best.

Additionally, if you are unable to access the ARTs services due to financial limitations, you may be eligible for a reduced fee, to ensure it is as accessible to all as possible.

The ART seeks to help participants to fight for their own decisions and practice individual autonomy. It ensures your NDIS plans are adequate and suitable to your needs.

Specifically regarding mental health, this means you are better able to access the services you require. For example, if the ART fight your NDIA plan to increase funding, you are better equipped to access and develop a suitable support system of therapists, support workers and other relevant services, that can aid you in developing personal skills, accessing the community, and to live independently.  

How Support Workers Can Help

Our qualified support workers can help you through the duration of the tribunal process to help practice self-advocacy, attend court hearings and conferences, and act as a communication device between you and the tribunal workers

Support workers are there to ease any anxieties experienced throughout the process, and help you along the way in whatever way they can. 

How Support Coordinators Can Help

Our team of support coordinators at iDeal Care Services can help you throughout the tribunal process by linking you with people and services best qualified to help you. We can organise representatives and overall make the tribunal process easier. We can also help you to develop your understanding of the process, prepare the adequate documentation, and develop self-advocation strategies; we will walk you through the process and make sure you understand every step of the way.

How ART Can Help You

ART can help you by ensuring decisions made by the NDIA regarding you are beneficial and meet your needs. This means you are better equipped to access all the services you require. This may look like increased funding for an adequate therapy team, or access to assistive devices and technology that are essential to your health and autonomy.

The establishment of the ART can greatly benefit your mental health by reducing stress, and ensuring you are put in contact with the right, qualified individuals to address your needs. By promoting personal autonomy and independence, it can reduce the mental toll on you and result in positive mental health as you are able to directly address your own needs, defend yourself, and access the mental health services you require as part of your NDIS plans if you believe inadequate support was previously provided.