Parrett v Secretary, Department of Family & Community Services

AND: SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT (revised from transcript) HIS HONOUR: 1 In this matter I have already given my reasons for decision in relation to the main point: Parrett v Secretary, Department of Family & Community Services [2002] FCA 716. However, another point has been raised in the application and that is whether the Social Security Appeal Tribunal had erred in its conclusions as to the practical utility of the appeal to it, because of some delay in lodging the appeal. The parties are at one that the Social Security Appeal Tribunal made a mistake in that regard. That is a joint view with which I agree, but I need not make any formal order to give effect to that view. 2 I have already ordered that the decision of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal of 21 May 2001 be set aside. I will further order that the matter be remitted to the Tribunal, differently constituted, for determination according to law. The respondent is to pay the applicant's costs. I certify that the preceding two (2) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment herein of the Honourable Justice Madgwick.

Solicitor for the Applicant: Welfare Rights & Legal Centre