Appeals From Other Bodies
Appeals from decisions of persons, authorities or tribunals other than courts
The Federal Court can hear and determine appeals or matters from decisions of persons, authorities or tribunals other than Courts (section 19(2) of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth)).
Typically, "appeals" falling under section 19(2) include appeals from decisions of the:
- Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
- Professional Services Review Tribunal
- Defence Force Disciplinary Appeals Tribunal
- Australian Competition Tribunal
- Superannuation Complaints Tribunal
- Taxation appeals
- National Native Title Tribunal
- Commissioner or Registrar of Patents, Designs, Trade Marks (Intellectual Property)
- Any other appeal as specifically provided by laws made by the Parliament.
Appeals from decisions of persons, authorities or tribunals are not appeals in the strict sense. They are 'appeals' in the Court's original jurisdiction and as such are usually heard by a single judge or, in certain circumstances, by a Full Court (3 or more judges sitting together ss14(2)).
Where an appeal is from any person who is a judge or any authority or tribunal constituted by a member who is a judge, the appeal must be heard by a Full Court (section 20(2) of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth)).
Further information about the forms and procedures for these appeals is available from any Federal Court registry.
