Elise Archer,Attorney-General
The second Bill required to formally establish Tasmania’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal has today passed the House of Assembly, as part of the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to improving access to justice for all Tasmanians.
The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Amendment Bill 2020 (TASCAT) sets out how the new single tribunal is to be constituted, and establishes the original and review jurisdictions of TASCAT.
This Bill will:
- provide further powers and procedures for TASCAT (for example, costs and appeals);
- provide referral of matters from TASCAT to the Magistrates Court (Civil Division) for matters that involve Federal diversity jurisdiction; and
- set out the transitional arrangements allowing current Tribunal/Board members to be transferred to TASCAT from its commencement date.
I am very pleased to have delivered this significant reform that will deliver a more client-centric focus, particularly for our protective jurisdictions which often deal with vulnerable Tasmanians.
Importantly, we have continued to work closely with existing tribunals, legal and other stakeholders to ensure they are fully consulted throughout the planning and transition phase.
I now look forward to the Bill’s passage through the Legislative Council.
