Australian Immigration Daily News

The Deputy President and Division Head of the AAT- MRD has requested we distribute this information:

I am writing to let you know that the AAT is taking steps to resume some in-person hearings from 3 August 2020, at all AAT registries except for Melbourne. 

The AAT has, to date, been able to minimise the impact on our services through the provision of online registry support and by hearing matters remotely. However, we are mindful that there are some circumstances in which a remote hearing may not be practicable and where the matter may not be deferred. 

We will consider the listing of in-person hearings on a case by case basis in accordance with the AAT’s practice directions. For instance, we will prioritise partner, family and the more complicated protection cases that are already constituted to members and have been deferred as they require an in-person hearing. In certain cases, the Tribunal has started contacting applicants and representatives regarding hearing arrangements. 

Whilst we will keep the matter under careful review, we expect that, for some time, many AAT hearings will continue to be conducted remotely by video conference or telephone where possible. We are taking a staged approach to recommencing in-person hearings because our priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our members, staff, visitors and the wider community. 

You will recall that in the COVID-19 Special Measures Practice Direction we outlined our approach to the expedition of appropriate matters. We have subsequently developed procedures to implement these changes and have been making decisions on expedited cases in recent months. In addition, we have now developed an online form to assist with this process. This form will be available online shortly and the AAT will provide you with further details on the form in the near future. 

I would be grateful if you would distribute this update to your membership or amongst your colleagues. Detailed information about how to contact the AAT and how to access services at this time is available on our website.