(AAT) Administrative Appeals Tribunal: Workers' compensation

Can we help? 

What we can review 

We can review decisions about claims for Commonwealth workers’ compensation made under the: 

Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, or  

Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992. 

The decision letter should tell you if we can review the decision or you can check the List of reviewable decisions. 

What we cannot do 

review most decisions unless they have been internally reviewed first by the decision-maker. 

How to apply 

An easy way to apply for a review is online.  

You can also apply by: 

filling in an application form 

email (limit 10MB) 

letter. 

What information do I need to give? 

If you write a letter or email, make sure you include: 

your name, postal address, telephone number and email address 

the date you received the decision 

a copy of the decision 

brief reasons why you think the decision is wrong. 

If you cannot send us a copy of the decision, then include: 

the name of department, agency or organisation that made the decision 

a brief description of the decision 

the date the decision was made. 

Time limits 

Is there a time limit for applying? 

Yes. You can check the decision letter to find out what the time limit is to lodge an application for review. 

The time limit to apply for a review of most Commonwealth compensation decisions is 60 days after the day you are given notice of the decision. 

What can I do if the time limit has expired? 

You can apply to us to extend the time to lodge your application. You must apply in writing and include reasons why the application is late. You can do this: 

when you lodge your application for review online; or 

by filling in an application for extension of time form and sending it to us with the application for review of decision form; or 

by writing an email or letter. 

Check our contact details to lodge the application at one of our registries, or send the application by post, email or fax.  

What happens after you apply for an extension of time? 

We will send a copy of your extension application to the agency or Minister and any other party. They have 14 days to tell us if they oppose the application. 

If they do not oppose the application, we will generally make a decision without holding a hearing. If they oppose the application, we will usually hold a hearing before deciding the application. The hearing might be by telephone or in person at the AAT's offices. 

We will only start the review if we decide to extend the time limit. 

Fees 

Do I have to pay an application fee? 

No. There is no application fee to apply for a review of a workers' compensation decision.