The government has initiated a recruitment campaign for the new AAT.

Legislation to abolish the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) is set to be introduced by the end of 2023, before it is replaced with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

The AAT, established under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act of 1975 and falling under the Attorney-General's Department, has been responsible for reviewing administrative decisions made under Commonwealth laws. 

These decisions include those made by Australian government officials, departments, agencies, as well as state government and non-government bodies.

Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, in his announcement of the AAT's abolition in December 2022, criticised it for being dysfunctional and overly politicised. 

He highlighted a lack of merit-based selection for its members, with numerous former Liberal MPs, staffers, and associates appointed, many lacking relevant experience or expertise.

Dreyfus has now outlined the ART's planned improvements. 

These include enhanced powers and procedures, a transparent and merit-based selection process for its members, a simplified membership structure, clearly defined roles and responsibilities for ART leadership, and other procedural enhancements.

Legislation to abolish the AAT and establish the ART is anticipated to be introduced by the end of the year. 

The Albanese Government says it wants to rebuild trust and confidence in Australia's administrative review system, starting with the creation of a user-focused, efficient, accessible, independent, and fair administrative review body.

The government is encouraging both current and former AAT members to apply for positions in the ART. 

However, they are primarily seeking qualified individuals who can make a significant contribution to what is described as “the most important reform of the federal system of administrative review in decades”. 

Pending parliamentary approval, the recruitment drive will be expanded to include senior members and non-judicial deputy presidents in the coming months, with operations expected to commence in 2024.

Federal Court Judge and current AAT President, Justice Emilios Kyrou AO, will maintain his position during the transition to become the inaugural ART President.