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The Northern Territory has moved the way of the states in an attempt to cut red tape with the introduction of its own one-stop shop for civil and administrative appeals.
The move to establish the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) comes after a report commissioned by the Northern Territory government last year confirmed there is a need for a more centralised appeals process, with greater fairness and flexibility.
The NT government said NTCAT will create a user-friendly appeals process and replace a majority of the 35 commissioners, tribunals, committees and boards, which currently exist.
Attorney-General John Elferink said this is about creating efficiencies for Territorians by providing a single, central, easy-to-use system.
“The tribunal will hear and determine a broad range of administrative matters and operate independently of government,” Mr Elferink said.
“NTCAT will have the ability to make decisions based on information before them, as well as information which has come to light since the original decision."
He said the tribunal will remove unnecessary duplication and inefficiencies, a similar move that has already been adopted in all states across the country, except Tasmania. He added that careful consideration will be given as to whether individual bodies should remain or be abolished and their jurisdiction transferred to the tribunal.
“The administrative law reforms will require amendments to an estimated 117 acts, a process to be completed carefully and gradually,” he said.
“Additionally, the 54 acts which include an appeals mechanism through the Supreme Court and Local Court will be assessed to identify its suitability for the NTCAT."
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