Better access to justice in the Northern Territory

The Albanese Government has provided funding of $3.6 million over four years to open a Darwin Registry for the new Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) improving access to justice for residents of Darwin and the surrounding area.

The new ART is providing efficient, accessible, independent and fair

services for the tens of thousands of people every year who seek independent review of government decisions, such as whether they qualify for an age pension, are compensated for an injury they suffered while serving their nation or receive NDIS funding for essential support.

Darwin is currently the only Australian capital city without an ART registry. Since the closure of the Darwin registry in the 1990s, support has been provided out of the Adelaide registry almost 3000 kilometres away.

The full-service Darwin location will ensure Territory residents get the same services long available to Australians in other states including a front counter and registry, registrar and conferencing services, a dedicated hearing room and two Darwin-based members.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Territorians face significant barriers to accessing justice. The Government has committed $2.6 million for a First Nations Liaison Officer program to assist to better target support, and raise awareness of the availability of merits review of government decisions through the Tribunal.

More information about the reform and key features of the ART is available on the department’s website.

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC MP
“The Administrative Review Tribunal is the most significant reform to Australia’s system of administrative review in decades.

“The opening of the Darwin Registry and First Nations support services demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to provide all Australians with a modern, fit for purpose system of administrative review.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy
“Territorians deserve to have improved access to justice and independent reviews of government decisions, no matter where they live.

“These investments by the Albanese Labor Government will also help increase awareness among First Nations Territorians about merits review and available support.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Solomon Luke Gosling OAM MP
“This funding is a major step forward in ensuring that all Australians have to the full range of judicial services they deserve, no matter where they live.

“The opening of the Darwin Registry will make it easier for Territorians to access independent reviews of government decisions, reducing the need for long-distance, often expensive travel to other states.”