Conduct of reviews

The Tribunals’ procedures are designed to provide a review process which is fair, just, economical, informal and quick, and to ensure that an applicant can fully put his or her case to the Tribunal. The Tribunals are committed to ensuring that outcomes do not depend on whether applicants have obtained professional advice or assistance. More than 30% of cases involve applicants who are not represented, and the Tribunals have developed procedures and practices, and make information available, aimed at assisting applicants who proceed without representation.

The Principal Member may, in writing, give directions under sections 353A and 420A of the Migration Act 1958 as to the operation of the Tribunals and the conduct of reviews by the Tribunals. In particular, the directions may relate to the application of efficient processing practices to the conduct of reviews by the Tribunals. The Principal Member also issues guidelines from time to time.

Current directions and guidelines are set out below.

Principal Member Directions

	MRT	RRT
Caseload and Constitution Policy	pdf - PMD1/2008	pdf - PMD1/2008
Conduct of Hearings	pdf - PMD3/2007	pdf - PMD3/2007
Management of Detention Cases	pdf - PMD1/2007	pdf - PMD1/2007
Efficient Conduct of Reviews	pdf - PMD2/2005	pdf - PMD3/2005

Guidelines

	MRT	RRT
Guiding Principles for Quality Decision Making	pdf	pdf
Interpreters' Handbook	html pdf	html pdf
Guidance on the Assessment of Credibility - August 2008	pdf	pdf
Guidelines on Children Giving Evidence - 2002		pdf

Reference

	MRT	RRT
Migration Act	html	html
Migration Regulations	html	html
Definition of a Refugee		html
Guide to Refugee Law in Australia		html

See also Form and brochures for further information