The Administrative Review Tribunal has launched a new service for First Nations peoples who are seeking review of Australian Government decisions, including a first review of a Centrelink decision.
The service connects eligible applicants with the Tribunal's First Nations liaison officers. Our liaison officers help ensure the cultures, beliefs and lived experiences of First Nations applicants are respected and understood as they move through the review process.
The new service is aligned with our objective to meet the diverse needs of people using the Tribunal, and demonstrates our commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Applicants can be referred to a liaison officer by Tribunal staff, or by contacting us directly.
Culturally safe support during the review process
Our liaison officers are First Nations peoples who can work alongside applicants at each step of the review process to help them feel culturally supported when engaging with the Tribunal.
They may be able to help by explaining Tribunal processes, attending hearings or case events as a support person, providing Tribunal staff and members with cultural guidance, or talking to your representative on your behalf.
First Nations liaison officers do not provide legal advice or make decisions about cases. The service is designed to support cultural safety and understanding, not to influence the outcome of a case.
First Nations applicant felt 'welcomed and supported'
Early feedback from applicants and their supporters is positive, highlighting the difference culturally safe liaison support can make.
One social worker, who helped a client apply to the Tribunal, wrote to the First Nations liaison officer after the case was finalised to express their gratitude. They acknowledged the steps taken to ensure their client's cultural perspective was understood, noting that the client said they 'felt welcomed and supported'.
How to get help from a First Nations liaison officer
First Nations applicants - or representatives, advocates and community organisations supporting them - can
