FOI changes on the MRT-RRT website
A new FOI webpage is now available on the MRT-RRT website. The FOI webpage can be accessed through a new ‘Freedom of Information’ menu tab on the homepage.
A new ‘FOI Disclosure Log’ icon has also been added to the homepage for direct access to the disclosure log. There have been some minor amendments to the ‘FOI Disclosure Log’ webpage.
MRT and RRT application fee changes
Changes to MRT review application fees and post-decision fees for unsuccessful RRT applications announced in the 2011-12 Budget came into effect on 1 July 2011. Changes to MRT fee waivers (now fee reductions) and fee refunds also came into effect on 1 July. To view a summary of the changes please click click here.
RRT Information Sessions for Refugee Week 2011
NSW
The New South Wales Registry of the Refugee Review Tribunal will be hosting open information sessions on Friday 24 June. Visitors will be able to gain an insight into the operations of the Refugee Review Tribunal. A staged hearing will be held, with presentations and panel discussions by the Deputy Principal Member, Tribunal Members, Legal Services, Country Advice and Registry staff. Information about the Tribunal’s caseload and processes will be available and staff will be on hand to answer any questions. Two sessions will be run, in the morning (10am-12pm) and afternoon (2pm-4pm). Please RSVP to refugeeweek2011@mrt-rrt.gov.au indicating which session you would like to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.
VIC
The Victorian Registry of the Refugee Review Tribunal will be hosting open information sessions on Monday 20 June. Visitors will be able to gain an insight into the operations of the Refugee Review Tribunal. A staged hearing will be held, with presentations by the Deputy Principal Member, Tribunal Members, Legal Services, Country Advice and Registry staff. Information about the Tribunal’s caseload and processes will be available and staff will be on hand to answer any questions. Two sessions will be run, in the morning (10am-12pm) and afternoon (2pm-4pm). Please RSVP to refugeeweek2011@mrt-rrt.gov.au indicating which session you would like to attend. Light refreshments will be provided..
Issues Paper - Caseload and Constitution Policy
Principal Member Direction 1/2010, which contains the Tribunals’ current Caseload and Constitution Policy, took effect on 15 July 2010 and is now being reviewed. An Issues Paper has been prepared which is intended to identify areas of possible change in the constitution policy for 2011-12 and inform discussion as part of the review process. Comments are welcome, and may be provided by email to MRT-RRT.CommunityLiaison@mrt-rrt.gov.au by 5pm on Monday 16 May 2011.
Draft Information Publication Scheme Plan
Reforms to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) introduce a new Information Publication Scheme (IPS) and require agencies to publish a broad range of information on their websites. The IPS commences on 1 May 2011. Each agency must publish a plan showing how it proposes to meet the requirements of the IPS. Please take the time to read the Tribunals’ draft publication plan. The plan is available for comment until 15 April 2011. Comments should be made to: enquiries@mrt-rrt.gov.au
FOI Reforms – Information Publication Scheme
Reforms to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) introduce a new Information Publication Scheme (IPS) and require agencies to publish a broad range of information on their websites. The IPS commences on 1 May 2011. Please take the time to read the detailed outline of the IPS.
MRT-RRT Annual Report 2009-2010 update
An html version of the MRT-RRT Annual Report 2009-2010 has been added to the Publications page.
STUDENT TASK FORCE IN VICTORIA
From December 2010, the Tribunals will be establishing a task force to deal with student refusal cases in the Victorian registry. The task force will consist of 2 to 3 members who will work exclusively on recently lodged student refusals for a period of up to 6 months.
The task force is not expected to impact significantly on the allocation of other cases, which will continue to be allocated across the membership consistently with existing case priorities. Other task forces may be established in other locations to deal with other caseloads.
RRT 90 Day Report - 1 March to 30 June 2010
On 16 November 2010, the Principal Member's Report pursuant to s.440A of the Migration Act on the conduct of Refugee Review Tribunal reviews not completed within 90 days, for the period 1 March to 30 June 2010 was tabled in Parliament.
Under s.440A of the Migration Act 1958, the Principal Member must give a report to the Minister every 4 months containing information about each decision reviewed by the RRT during the reporting period but decided outside 90 days and each RRT review over 90 days but undecided at the end of the reporting period. The report must include the reasons why decisions were not reviewed within the 90 day period.
The 1 March to 30 June 2010 report showed a pleasing improvement in the timeliness of RRT reviews. The percentage of cases decided within 90 days increased from 68% to 74% compared with the previous reporting period and average days to decision reduced from 99 to 95 days.
MRT-RRT Annual Report 2009-2010
The MRT-RRT Annual Report 2009-2010 was tabled in Parliament on 16 November 2010. A PDF version of the report is available on the Publications page . An html version of the report will be added shortly.
FOI Reform
Reforms to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) and the passage of the Australian Information Commissioner Act 2010 introduce substantial changes to FOI processing and publication of information. FOI requests lodged on or after 1 November 2010 are subject to these changes. Please take the time to read the detailed outline of the changes.
Electronic copy of documents to MRT applicants
In relation to requests for access to documents held by the Migration Review Tribunal pursuant to s.362A of the Migration Act 1958, the Tribunal is now able to provide an electronic copy of documents to applicants (or their representatives) by means of compact disc (CD).
The Form M16 Request for access to documents held by Tribunal has been amended to allow applicants or their representatives to choose the option of receiving an electronic copy of their documents on CD. The form is accessible under the Forms and Brochures button on the left side of the screen.
Complaints and Compliments
New content has been added to the Complaints and Compliments page and the contact details updated.
Processing Times Calculator
A processing times calculator is now available on the MRT-RRT website. Users can enter a review application date (real or hypothetical) into the calculator and choose a decision type from a list of common case categories. The calculator will provide an estimate of the length of time within which a decision is likely to be made based on the time within which 70% of Tribunal reviews involving that type of case were completed during the previous 6 months.
Updated MR2 Immigration Assistance fact sheets
The MR2 Immigration Assistance fact sheets have been updated to reflect the current names and contact details of legal and community based organisations that provide immigration and other assistance to migrants and asylum seekers. The MR2 fact sheets also provide information about ‘immigration assistance’ and migration agents. There are two versions of the MR2 fact sheets. The New South Wales version provides contact details of relevant organisations in New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory and the Victorian version provides contact details of relevant organisations in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. The updated MR2 factsheets are available under ‘Forms and Brochures’ on the left side of the screen.
Principal Member Direction 1/2010 - Caseload and Constitution Policy
On 15 July 2010, the Principal Member signed Principal Member Direction (PMD) 1/2010. PMD 1/2010 replaces PMD 1/2009 and sets out the Tribunals' caseload and constitution policy for 2010-11. The principal objectives of the caseload and constitution policy are to:
- give priority to cases based on the circumstances of individual applicants;
- enable time standards to be met;
- deliver high quality reviews;
- ensure independence and impartiality in decision-making;
- ensure the fair and equitable allocation of cases to Members; and
- achieve a reduction in the number of MRT cases on hand.
Introduction of précis email alert service
précis - the MRT- RRT Monthly Bulletin summarises a selection of recently published Tribunal decisions and Country Advice; selected summaries of High Court, Federal Court and Federal Magistrates Court judgments; legislation updates; and an overview of MRT and RRT caseload for the preceding month.
The Tribunals have established an alert service that will notify subscribers by email as new issues of précis are published on the MRT-RRT website. The service is available to applicants, representatives, students and the general public.
Please visit the MRT-RRT Monthly Decisions Bulletin page if you would like to subscribe.
RRT 90 Day Report - 1 November 2009 to 28 February 2010
On 16 June 2010, the Principal Member's Report pursant to s.440A of the Migration Act on the conduct of Refugee Review Tribunal reviews not completed within 90 days, for the period 1 November 2009 to 28 February 2010 was tabled in Parliament.
Under s.440A of the Migration Act 1958, the Principal Member must give a report to the Minister every 4 months containing information about each decision reviewed by the RRT during the reporting period but decided outside 90 days and each RRT review over 90 days but undecided at the end of the reporting period. The report must include the reasons why decisions were not reviewed within the 90 day period.
Refugee Week 2010: 20 – 26 June 2010.
The Refugee Review Tribunal is holding open days during Refugee Week:
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Melbourne: Registry Open Day - Monday 21 June, 2.30pm to 4.30pm - Level 12, 460 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
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Sydney: Registry Open Day - Friday 25 June - Level 11, 83 Clarence Street, Sydney (close to Wynyard Station).
For information about other events during Refugee Week, visit www.refugeecouncil.org.au.
Gender Guidelines
On 10 May 2010, the Principal Member issued the Tribunals’ Gender Guidelines. The objectives of the guidelines are to further promote a gender inclusive and gender sensitive review process and recognise the social and cultural difficulties applicants face when making and presenting gender-related claims.
Stakeholder Engagement Plan for 2010-11
The Tribunals value our relations with stakeholders and hold regular community liaison meetings. We are encouraging a greater level of stakeholder involvement through the implementation of our Stakeholder Engagement Plan for 2010-11. The objectives of the Plan are to:
- enable better access to justice in the conduct of merits review of migration and refugee decisions by improving our communication with stakeholders and the information we provide about the Tribunals’ procedures;
- inform our strategic direction, policy and operations through an improved understanding of our stakeholders’ perspectives and needs; and
- shape the Tribunals’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through communication with our stakeholders.
Revised Guidelines on Referral of Cases for Ministerial Intervention
Following the re-issue of the Minister’s intervention guidelines in 14 September 2009, the Tribunals revised its guidelines on the referral of cases for consideration under the Ministerial intervention guidelines. See Tribunal Policy and Procedures Guideline TG 1/2010 Referrals for Ministerial Intervention. It replaces TPPG 1/2009 with effect from 4 February 2010.
Principal Member Direction 2/2009 - Putting Adverse Information Orally to Applicants
Principal Member Direction 2/2009 is now available. It replaces Principal Member Direction 3/2007, with effect from 24 November 2009.
Principal Member Direction 1/2009 - Caseload and Constitution Policy
Principal Member Direction 1/2009 is in effect from 31 July 2009.
Publication of daily list of MRT and RRT hearings
From 24 September 2009 the Tribunals have published a daily list of MRT and RRT hearings on this website. The lists are available from the 'Hearings' button on the home page.
MRT hearings are open to the public unless the Presiding Member decides that a hearing or part of a hearing should be conducted in private in the public interest. RRT hearings are not open to the public and information which may identify an RRT applicant cannot be disclosed.
REFUGEE WEEK 2009 – ‘Freedom from Fear’ - June 14-2009
The Refugee Review Tribunal is holding open days and other events during Refugee Week:
- Melbourne: Registry Open Day - Tuesday 16 June, 2.30pm to 4.30pm - Level 12, 460 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
- Perth: ‘An Introduction to the Refugee Review Tribunal’ - Tuesday 16 June, 1.00pm - Hearing Room 3, Level 4, 111 St Georges Terrace, Perth.
- Sydney: Registry Open Day - Friday 19 June, 2.00pm to 4.30pm - Level 11, 83 Clarence Street, Sydney (close to Wynyard Station).
For more information about the Melbourne and Perth activities, contact Antoinette.Brydon@mrt-rrt.gov.au or Genevieve.Cantwell@mrt-rrt.gov.au.
For more information about Sydney activities, contact refugeeweek2009@mrt-rrt.gov.au.
For information about other events during Refugee Week, visit www.refugeecouncil.org.au.
Guidance on Vulnerable Persons
On 5 June 2009, the Principal Member issued Guidance on Vulnerable Persons. The key objectives of the guidance are to ensure that vulnerable persons are supported during the review process and that their inherent dignity is recognised and respected. The guidance will heighten awareness among Tribunal Members and staff of the need to consider implementation of procedures for dealing with vulnerable persons.
Guidelines on Expert Opinion Evidence
On 18 May 2009, the Principal Member issued Guidelines on Expert Opinion Evidence. These guidelines are intended to assist persons providing expert opinions and specialist knowledge. They provide a format that will ensure expert opinions provided are of relevance and assistance to the decision making of the Tribunals.
New guideline on referral of cases for Ministerial intervention consideration
Following the issue of new Ministerial intervention guidelines on 5 December 2008, the Tribunals revised the Tribunals' guidelines on the referral of cases for consideration under the Ministerial intervention guidelines. See Tribunal Policy and Procedure Guideline TPPG 1/2009 Referrals for Ministerial Intervention.[Superseded by TPPG 1/2010 Referrals for Ministerial Intervention effective from 4 February 2010]
Changes to decision notification arrangements
There will be changes in the way Tribunal decisions are notified from Monday 27 October 2008. Amendments to the Migration Act which take effect from that day will remove the requirement to hand down decisions. Rather than receiving an invitation to attend the Tribunal to receive a copy of the decision, applicants will be sent a copy of the decision as soon as it is made. This means that applicants will receive their decisions several weeks earlier than is presently the case.
Please note that the Tribunals will continue to issue invitations to attend the handing down of decisions up to 24 October 2008, and that handing down sessions for these cases will continue until mid November 2008.
Principal Member Direction 1/2008 - Caseload and Constitution Policy
Principal Member Direction 1/2008 in effect from 14 July 2008. [Superseded by Principal Member Direction 1/2009 effective from 31 July 2009]
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