Meeting of ARC 29 July 2026 – Statement of meeting outcomes

MEETING OF ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW COUNCIL

29 July 2026

STATEMENT OF MEETING OUTCOMES

Social Security Inquiry

1. The Council discussed the progress of the Inquiry and the steps required to finalise the Inquiry report.

Migration Inquiry

2. The Council discussed the progress of the Inquiry and potential recommendations.
3. The Council noted the recent commencement of the Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026 (Cth), which requires the Administrative Review Tribunal ('ART') to determine certain migration decisions on the papers.
4. The Council also noted the introduction of the Administrative and Judicial Review Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 (Cth), which is intended to support the ART and the Federal Circuit and Family Court (Division 2) to manage their migration caseloads.
5. The Council discussed the impact of the Act and the Bill on the Inquiry.

Inquiry on the Commissioner of Taxation's Recovery of Family Assistance Debts

6. The Council continued to develop Inquiry recommendations and discussed the steps required to finalise the Inquiry report.
7. The Council noted the introduction of the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2026 (Cth), which seeks to address aspects of the systemic issue which prompted the Council's Inquiry.

Annual Report

8. The Council endorsed its 2025/26 annual report, which will be finalised and presented to the Attorney-General.

2026 Australian Institute of Administrative Law National Conference

9. The Council discussed the upcoming Australian Institute of Administrative Law National Conference, to be held over the next two days, including the Council's participation in a plenary session.

Forward work plan

10. The Council discussed its work program for 2026/27.