Definitions
The list below, shown alphabetically, contains terms that are commonly used throughout the review process.
Added party
Where the interests of a person who is not a party to a review are affected by a decision (ie. someone other than the person who has lodged the application), that person can apply to be added as a party to the review. The types of review that may require the adding of another person as a party (an 'added party') may include shared care of children, member of a couple and issues surrounding trusts and companies.
Adjournment
To suspend/postpone a hearing: where necessary, the SSAT may adjourn a matter until a later date, to give a party time to provide further information, or to allow the SSAT to obtain further information or research the law. Parties are told if a hearing is adjourned.
Affirm (a decision)
To confirm the original decision under review: this means that the Centrelink/CSA decision is not changed.
Applicant
A person who has lodged an application for review with the SSAT.
Case Manager
At the SSAT, Case Managers are responsible for managing all administrative aspects of each application within their caseload, from registration to finalisation.
Decision
The determination (result) of a review.
Dismissal of review
In certain circumstances, the SSAT may dismiss a Centrelink application for review without reviewing the decision. This may occur if the SSAT is satisfied that a person does not intend to proceed according to section 172 of the Administration Act, Section 136 of the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) (Administration) Act 1999 and section 252 of the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010.
In Child Support matters the case may be dismissed for a number of reasons set out in section 100 of the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act.
Hearing on the papers
In some circumstances, applicants may present their cases by written submissions. The hearing is then conducted 'on the papers' and a decision made on the written evidence presented to the SSAT. The SSAT must be satisfied that the review can be fairly determined on the basis of written submissions.
Jurisdiction
The power or authority of the SSAT: in Centrelink matters the SSAT's jurisdiction is derived from the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, the A New Tax System (Family Assistance) Act 1999, the Student Assistance Act 1973 and the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010. In Child Support matters the SSAT's jurisdiction is derived from the Child Support (Registration and Collection) Act 1988.
Member
Hearings of the SSAT are conducted by members who have been appointed on the basis of their specialist knowledge, communication skills and their understanding of the principles of administrative review.
Party
In Centrelink matters, a party is any person who lodges an application for review or is added to the review, or Centrelink. In Child Support matters a party is any person who lodges an application for review, is added to the review, the Child Support Registrar or the other person who is involved in the CSA Objection decision.
Presiding Member
Each hearing is chaired by a presiding member, who may be the only member, and who is responsible for the proper conduct of the hearing and the effective determination of cases. In cases where more than one member hears the case, one of the members will be designated as the presiding member.
Registry
The local office of the SSAT. The SSAT has a registry in each capital city (except Darwin and Canberra).
Set aside (a decision)
To replace the original decision with either a new decision or by sending the matter back to Centrelink or the CSA for reconsideration in line with any directions or recommendations for action.
Submission
The information - written or verbal - provided to the SSAT to support an application for review.
Telephone hearing
Where appropriate, hearings can be conducted with the members and parties discussing the case over the telephone.
Tribunal
The Social Security Appeals Tribunal.
Vary (a decision)
To change the original decision to some degree (which may be to the applicant's full or partial advantage, or disadvantage).
Video-conference hearing
Where appropriate, hearings can be conducted by video-conference. The SSAT makes the arrangements for the applicant to attend a video-conference facility in a suitable location, which links with the members at their local SSAT registry.
Withdrawal of application
An applicant can withdraw (retract) an application for review at any time during the review process.