1ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS (JUDICIAL REVIEW) ACT 1989

Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Australian Capital Territory Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 A1989-33 Republication No 41 Effective: 16 November 2025 Republication date: 16 November 2025 Last amendment made by A2025-29 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au About this republication The republished law This is a republication of the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 16 November 2025. It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to 16 November 2025. The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3 and 4. Kinds of republications The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT legislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au): • authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies • unauthorised republications. The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page. Editorial changes The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication. Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice. This republication does not include amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1). Uncommenced provisions and amendments If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law are accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more information, see the home page for this law on the register. Modifications If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the symbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying provision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation Act 2001, section 95. Penalties At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133). R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 contents 1 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Australian Capital Territory Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Contents Page 1 Name of Act 2 2 Dictionary 2 3 Notes 2 3A Meaning of making and failure to make a decision 2 3C Meaning of conduct engaged in for purpose of making decision 3 4 Act to operate despite anything in existing laws 3 4A Who may make an application under this Act 4 5 Applications for review of decisions 5 6 Applications for review of conduct related to making of decisions 7 7 Applications for failures to make decisions 9 8 Effect of Act on other rights 10 9 Applications for order of review must set out grounds 11 10 Period in which application for order of review must be made 12 11 Application for order of review not limited to grounds in application 14 Contents Page contents 2 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 12 Application to be made a party to a proceeding 14 13 Reasons for decision may be obtained 14 14 Certain information not required to be disclosed 17 15 Ministerial certificate about disclosure of information 18 16 Stay of proceedings 19 17 Powers of Supreme Court in relation to applications for order of review 20 18 Change in person holding, or performing the duties of, an office 21 19 Intervention by Minister 22 19A Intervention by other people 22 20 Act not to apply to certain decisions 23 21 Regulation-making power 23 Schedule 1 Decisions to which this Act does not apply 24 Schedule 2 Decisions to which s 13 does not apply 28 2.1 Administration of criminal justice 28 2.2 Civil proceedings 28 2.3 Decisions relating to territory finance 29 2.4 Decisions relating to administration of the public service 30 2.5 Certain other appointment decisions 30 2.6 Certain decisions under the Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 31 2.7 Decisions of the ACAT 31 Dictionary 32 Endnotes 1 About the endnotes 34 2 Abbreviation key 34 3 Legislation history 35 4 Amendment history 43 5 Earlier republications 47 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 1 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Australian Capital Territory Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 An Act relating to the review on questions of law of certain administrative decisions Section 1 page 2 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 1 Name of Act This Act is the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989. 2 Dictionary The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act. Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined elsewhere. For example, the signpost definition ‘conduct engaged in for the purpose of making a decision—see section 3C.’ means that the term ‘conduct engaged in’ is defined in that section. Note 2 A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)). 3 Notes A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act. Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes. 3A Meaning of making and failure to make a decision (1) For this Act, a reference to the making of a decision includes a reference to— (a) making, suspending, revoking or refusing to make an order, award or determination; or (b) giving, suspending, revoking or refusing to give a certificate, direction, approval, consent or permission; or (c) issuing, suspending, revoking or refusing to issue a licence, authority or other instrument; or (d) imposing a condition or restriction; or Section 3C R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 3 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (e) making a declaration, demand or requirement; or (f) keeping, or refusing to give up, an article; or (g) doing or refusing to do anything else; (2) If provision is made by an enactment for the making of a report or recommendation before a decision is made, the making of the report or recommendation is itself taken, for this Act, to be the making of a decision. (3) A reference to a failure to make a decision includes a reference to a failure to make— (a) a decision mentioned in subsection (1) (a) to (g); or (b) a report or recommendation mentioned in subsection (2). Note Fail is defined in the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, to include refuse. 3C Meaning of conduct engaged in for purpose of making decision For this Act, a reference to conduct engaged in for the purpose of making a decision includes a reference to the doing of anything preparatory to the making of the decision, including— (a) the taking of evidence; or (b) the holding of an inquiry or investigation. 4 Act to operate despite anything in existing laws This Act has effect despite anything contained in any enactment in force at the commencement of this Act. Section 4A page 4 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 4A Who may make an application under this Act (1) An eligible person may make an application under this Act, subject to subsections (2) and (3). (2) If the application relates to a category A decision, or conduct engaged in for the purpose of making the decision, the person may make the application only if— (a) the person’s interests are, or would be, adversely affected by the decision, failure to make the decision, or conduct engaged in for the purpose of making the decision; or (b) if the decision is of a kind that is proposed in a report or recommendation—the person’s interests are, or would be, adversely affected if the decision were, or were not, made in accordance with the report or recommendation. (3) If the application relates to a category B decision, or conduct engaged in for the purpose of making the decision, the person may make the application unless— (a) an enactment does not allow the person to make the application; or (b) each of the following apply: (i) the interests of the eligible person are not adversely affected by the decision or conduct; (ii) the application fails to raise a significant issue of public importance. (4) The Supreme Court may at any time, on application by a party, refuse to hear the application or dismiss the application if satisfied that the applicant is not an eligible person. Section 5 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 5 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (5) In this section: category A decision means a decision of an administrative character made, proposed to be made, or required to be made (whether in the exercise of a discretion or not) under— (a) the Heritage Act 2004; or (b) the Planning Act 2023, other than a decision under that Act mentioned in schedule 1. category B decision means a decision to which this Act applies, other than a category A decision. 5 Applications for review of decisions (1) An eligible person may apply to the Supreme Court for an order of review in relation to a decision to which this Act applies on 1 or more of the following grounds: (a) that a breach of the rules of natural justice happened in relation to the making of the decision; (b) that procedures that were required by law to be observed in relation to the making of the decision were not observed; (c) that the person who purported to make the decision did not have jurisdiction to make the decision; (d) that the decision was not authorised by the enactment under which it was purported to be made; (e) that the making of the decision was an improper exercise of the power given by the enactment under which it was purported to be made; (f) that the decision involved an error of law, whether or not the error appears on the record of the decision; Section 5 page 6 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (g) that the decision was induced or affected by fraud; (h) that there was no evidence or other material to justify the making of the decision; (i) that the decision was otherwise contrary to law. Note The Human Rights Act 2004, s 40B (1) (b) makes it unlawful for a public authority to fail to give proper consideration to a relevant human right when making a decision. (2) The reference in subsection (1) (e) to an improper exercise of a power includes a reference to— (a) taking an irrelevant consideration into account in the exercise of a power; and (b) failing to take a relevant consideration into account in the exercise of a power; and (c) an exercise of a power for a purpose other than a purpose for which the power is given; and (d) an exercise of a discretionary power in bad faith; and (e) an exercise of a personal discretionary power at the direction or behest of another person; and (f) an exercise of a discretionary power in accordance with a rule or policy without regard to the merits of the particular case; and (g) an exercise of a power that is so unreasonable that no reasonable person could have so exercised the power; and (h) an exercise of a power in such a way that the result of the exercise of the power is uncertain; and (i) any other exercise of a power in a way that is abuse of the power. Section 6 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 7 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (3) The ground mentioned in subsection (1) (h) is not taken to be made out unless— (a) the person who made the decision was required by law to reach that decision only if a particular matter was established, and there was no evidence or other material (including facts of which the person was entitled to take notice) from which the person could reasonably be satisfied that the matter was established; or (b) the person who made the decision based the decision on the existence of a particular fact, and that fact did not exist. 6 Applications for review of conduct related to making of decisions (1) If a person has engaged, is engaging, or proposes to engage, in conduct for the purpose of making a decision to which this Act applies, an eligible person may apply to the Supreme Court for an order of review in relation to the conduct on any 1 or more of the following grounds: (a) that a breach of the rules of natural justice has happened, is happening, or is likely to happen, in relation to the conduct; (b) that procedures that are required by law to be observed in relation to the conduct have not been, are not being, or are likely not to be, observed; (c) that the person who has engaged, is engaging, or proposes to engage, in the conduct does not have jurisdiction to make the proposed decision; (d) that the enactment under which the decision is proposed to be made does not authorise the making of the proposed decision; (e) that the making of the proposed decision would be an improper exercise of the power given by the enactment under which the decision is proposed to be made; Section 6 page 8 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (f) that an error of law— (i) has been, is being, or is likely to be, committed in the course of the conduct in the making of the proposed decision; or (ii) is likely to be committed in the making of the proposed decision. (g) that fraud has taken place, is taking place, or is likely to take place, in the course of the conduct; (h) that there is no evidence or other material to justify the making of the proposed decision; (i) that the making of the proposed decision would be otherwise contrary to law. (2) The reference in subsection (1) (e) to an improper exercise of a power includes a reference to— (a) taking an irrelevant consideration into account in the exercise of a power; and (b) failing to take a relevant consideration into account in the exercise of a power; and (c) an exercise of a power for a purpose other than a purpose for which the power is given; and (d) an exercise of a discretionary power in bad faith; and (e) an exercise of a personal discretionary power at the direction or behest of another person; and (f) an exercise of a discretionary power in accordance with a rule or policy without regard to the merits of the particular case; and (g) an exercise of a power that is so unreasonable that no reasonable person could have so exercised the power; and Section 7 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 9 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (h) an exercise of a power in such a way that the result of the exercise of the power is uncertain; and (i) any other exercise of a power in a way that is abuse of the power. (3) The ground mentioned in subsection (1) (h) is not taken to be made out unless— (a) the person who proposes to make the decision is required by law to reach that decision only if a particular matter is established, and there is no evidence or other material (including facts of which the person was entitled to take notice) from which the person can reasonably be satisfied that the matter is established; or (b) the person proposed to make the decision on the basis of the existence of a particular fact, and that fact does not exist. 7 Applications for failures to make decisions (1) If— (a) a person has a duty to make a decision to which this Act applies; and (b) there is no law that prescribes a period within which the person is required to make that decision; and (c) the person has failed to make that decision; an eligible person may apply to the Supreme Court for an order of review in relation to the failure to make the decision on the ground that there has been unreasonable delay in making the decision. Section 8 page 10 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (2) If— (a) a person has a duty to make a decision to which this Act applies; and (b) a law prescribes a period within which the person is required to make that decision; and (c) the person has failed to make that decision before the end of that period; an eligible person may apply to the Supreme Court for an order of review in relation to the failure to make the decision within that period on the ground that the person has a duty to make the decision even though the period has ended. 8 Effect of Act on other rights (1) The rights given by section 5, section 6 and section 7 to a person to seek an order for review— (a) are additional to the rights of the person to seek a review in another way; and (b) must be disregarded for the Ombudsman Act 1989, section 6 (6). (2) However— (a) the Supreme Court or any other court may, in a proceeding brought otherwise than under this Act, refuse to grant an application for review in relation to a matter if an application for review of that matter has been made to the Supreme Court under section 5, section 6 or section 7; and Section 9 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 11 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (b) the Supreme Court may, in its discretion, refuse to grant an application for review of a matter under section 5, section 6 or section 7 if— (i) the applicant has sought a review by a court including the Supreme Court of the matter otherwise than under this Act; or (ii) adequate provision is made by a law other than this Act under which the applicant is entitled to seek a review of that matter; or (iii) the matter to which the application relates arises under the Planning Act 2023 or the Heritage Act 2004 and is a matter being reviewed, or for which application has been made for review, under a law other than this Act, whether on the application of the person who has made application to the Supreme Court for review of the matter under this Act or anyone else. (3) In this section: review includes— (a) a review by way of reconsideration, rehearing or appeal; and (b) the grant of an injunction; and (c) the making of a prerogative order, declaration or other order. 9 Applications for order of review must set out grounds An application to the Supreme Court for an order of review must set out the grounds of the application. Section 10 page 12 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 10 Period in which application for order of review must be made (1) An application to the Supreme Court for an order of review in relation to a decision that has been made (including a decision made after the end of the period within which it was required to be made) must be made within the period required by subsection (2) (or any further time allowed by the court) if the terms of the decision were— (a) recorded in writing; and (b) set out in a document that was given to the applicant. Note The court may allow further time after the end of the period required by s (2) (see Legislation Act, s 151C). (2) For subsection (1), the period within which an application for an order of review is required to be made is the period beginning on the day the decision is made and ending 28 days after the relevant day. (3) An application to the Supreme Court for an order of review in relation to a decision made under the Biosecurity Act 2023, part 3 (Biosecurity emergency declarations) or part 4 (Biosecurity control declarations) must be made within the period beginning on the day the decision is made and ending 10 business days after the relevant day. (4) If there is no period prescribed for making an application for an order for review in relation to a particular decision, the Supreme Court may refuse to consider an application for an order for review in relation to the decision if it is of the opinion that the application was not made within a reasonable time after the decision was made. (5) If there is no period prescribed for making an application by a particular person for an order for review in relation to a particular decision, the Supreme Court may refuse to consider an application by the person for an order for review in relation to the decision if it is of the opinion that the application was not made within a reasonable time after the decision was made. Section 10 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 13 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (6) In forming an opinion for subsection (4) or (5), the Supreme Court— (a) must have regard to— (i) the time when the applicant became aware of the decision; and (ii) if subsection (5) applies—the period prescribed for the making of an application by anyone else for an order of review in relation to the decision; and (b) may have regard to anything else it considers relevant. (7) In subsection (2): relevant day means— (a) if the decision includes, or is accompanied by, a written statement of reasons for the decision—the day a document setting out the terms of the decision is given to the applicant; or Note For the meaning of statement of reasons, see the dict. (b) if paragraph (a) does not apply and a written statement of reasons for the decision is given to the applicant (otherwise than because of a request under section 13 (1)) not later than 28 days after the day a document setting out the terms of the decision is given to the applicant—the day the statement is given to the applicant; or (c) if paragraph (a) does not apply and the applicant requests the person who made the decision to give a statement under section 13 (1)— (i) the day the statement is given to the applicant; or (ii) the day the applicant is told under section 13 (3) that the applicant was not entitled to make the request; or Section 11 page 14 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (iii) the day the Supreme Court makes an order under section 13 (6) declaring that the applicant was not entitled to make the request; or (iv) the day the applicant is told under section 14 (3) or section 15 (3) that the statement will not be given to the applicant. (d) in any other case—the day a document setting out the terms of the decision is given to the applicant. 11 Application for order of review not limited to grounds in application The applicant for an order of review is not limited to the grounds set out in the application but, if the applicant wishes to rely on a ground not set out in the application, the Supreme Court may direct the application be amended to state the ground. 12 Application to be made a party to a proceeding (1) An eligible person may apply to the Supreme Court to be made a party to an application made under this Act. (2) The Supreme Court may, in its discretion— (a) grant the application either unconditionally or subject to the conditions that it considers appropriate; or (b) refuse the application. 13 Reasons for decision may be obtained (1) If a person (the decision-maker) makes a decision to which this section applies, a person (the requester) who is entitled to make an application to the Supreme Court under section 5 in relation to the decision may, in writing, request the decision-maker to provide a written statement of reasons in relation to the decision. Note For the meaning of statement of reasons, see the dict. Section 13 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 15 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (2) The decision-maker must, as soon as practicable and in any event not later than 28 days after the day the decision-maker receives the request (the request day), prepare the statement and give it to the requester. (3) If the decision-maker is of the opinion that the requester was not entitled to make the request, the decision-maker may, not later than 28 days after the request day— (a) give to the requester written notice of the decision-maker’s opinion; or (b) apply to the Supreme Court under subsection (6) for an order declaring that the requester was not entitled to make the request. (4) Despite subsection (2), if the decision-maker gives notice under subsection (3) or applies to the Supreme Court under subsection (6), the decision-maker is not required to comply with the request unless— (a) the court, on an application under subsection (6), orders the decision-maker to give the statement; or (b) the decision-maker has applied to the court under subsection (6) for an order declaring that the requester was not entitled to make the request and the court refuses the application. (5) If subsection (4) (a) or (b) applies, the decision-maker must prepare the statement and give it to the requester not later than 28 days after the day of the Supreme Court’s decision. (6) On the application of either the decision-maker or requester under this subsection, the Supreme Court may make an order declaring that the requester was, or was not, entitled to make the request. Section 13 page 16 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (7) Despite subsection (2), the decision-maker may refuse to prepare and give the statement to the requester if— (a) for a decision the terms of which were recorded in writing and set out in a document that was given to the requester—the request was made later than 28 days after the day the document was given to the requester; or (b) in any other case—the relevant request was not made within a reasonable time after the decision was made. (8) If subsection (7) (a) or (b) applies, the decision maker must give to the requester, not later than 14 days after the request day, written notice stating— (a) that the statement will not be given to the requester; and (b) the reasons why it will not be given. (9) For subsection (7) (b), a request for a statement in relation to a decision is taken to have been made within a reasonable time after the decision was made if the Supreme Court, on application by the requester, declares that the request was made within a reasonable time after the decision was made. (10) On application by the requester under this subsection, the Supreme Court may order the decision-maker to give the requester, within a stated period, an additional statement containing better particulars in relation to stated matters if the court considers that the statement given to the requester does not contain adequate particulars, in relation to the decision. (11) A regulation may declare decisions not to be decisions to which this section applies. (12) A regulation made under subsection (11) applies only in relation to decisions made after the regulation takes effect. Section 14 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 17 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (13) In this section: decision to which this section applies means a decision to which this Act applies, other than— (a) a decision to which the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, section 22B (Requirement to give reasons statements) applies; or (b) a decision that includes, or is accompanied by, a statement of reasons; or (c) a decision mentioned in schedule 2. 14 Certain information not required to be disclosed (1) This section applies in relation to any information to which a request made to a person under section 13 (1) relates if the information— (a) relates to the personal affairs or business affairs of a person other than the person making the request; and (b) is information— (i) that was supplied in confidence; or (ii) the publication of which would reveal a trade secret; or (iii) that was provided in compliance with a duty imposed by an enactment; or (iv) the giving of which in accordance with the request would be in contravention of an enactment that expressly imposes on the person to whom the request is made a duty not to divulge or communicate information of that kind— (A) to anyone; or (B) to anyone, other than a particular person; or (C) except in particular circumstances. Section 15 page 18 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (2) If a person has been requested under section 13 (1) to give a statement to a person— (a) the person to whom the request is made is not required to include in the statement any information in relation to which this section applies; and (b) if the statement would be false or misleading if it did not include the information—the person is not required to give the statement. (3) If, under subsection (2), information is not included in a statement provided by a person or a statement is not provided by a person, the person must provide written notice to the person who requested the statement— (a) if information is not included in a statement—stating that the information is not so included and giving the reason for not including the information; or (b) if a statement is not provided—stating that the statement will not be provided and giving the reason for not providing the statement. (4) This section does not affect the power of the Supreme Court to make an order for the discovery of documents or to require the giving of evidence or the production of documents to the court. 15 Ministerial certificate about disclosure of information (1) This section applies to information relating to a matter if the Minister certifies, in writing, that the disclosure of information relating to the matter would be contrary to the public interest— (a) because it would involve the disclosure of deliberations or a decision of the Executive or of a committee of the Executive; or (b) for any other stated reason that could form the basis for a claim in a judicial proceeding that the information should not be disclosed. Section 16 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 19 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (2) If a person has been requested under section 13 to give a statement to a person— (a) the person to whom the request is made is not required to include in the statement any information in relation to which this section applies; and (b) if the statement would be false or misleading if it did not include the information—the person is not required to give the statement. (3) If, under subsection (2), information is not included in a statement provided by a person or a statement is not provided by a person, the person must give a written notice to the person who requested the statement— (a) if information is not included in a statement—stating that the information is not so included and giving the reason for not including the information; or (b) if a statement is not provided—stating that the statement will not be provided and giving the reason for not providing the statement. (4) This section does not affect the power of the Supreme Court to make an order for the discovery of documents or to require the giving of evidence or the production of documents to the court. 16 Stay of proceedings (1) The making of an application to the Supreme Court under section 5 in relation to a decision does not affect the operation of the decision or prevent the implementation of the decision, but— (a) the Supreme Court may, by order, on the conditions (if any) that the court decides, suspend the operation of the decision; and (b) the Supreme Court may order, on the conditions (if any) that the court decides, a stay of all or any proceedings under the decision. Section 17 page 20 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (2) The Supreme Court may make an order under subsection (1) on its own initiative or on the application of the person who made the application under section 5. 17 Powers of Supreme Court in relation to applications for order of review (1) On an application for an order of review in relation to a decision, the Supreme Court may, in its discretion, make all or any of the following orders: (a) an order quashing or setting aside the decision, or a part of the decision, with effect from the date of the order or from the earlier or later date that the court specifies; (b) an order referring the matter to which the decision relates to the person who made the decision for further consideration, subject to the directions that the court considers appropriate; (c) an order declaring the rights of the parties in relation to any matter to which the decision relates; (d) an order directing any of the parties to do, or to refrain from doing, anything to do justice between the parties. (2) On an application for an order of review in relation to conduct that has been, is being, or is proposed to be, engaged in for the purpose of the making of a decision, the Supreme Court may, in its discretion, make either or both of the following orders: (a) an order declaring the rights of the parties in relation to any matter to which the conduct relates; (b) an order directing any of the parties to do, or to refrain from doing, anything to do justice between the parties. Section 18 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 21 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (3) On an application for an order of review in relation to a failure to make a decision, or in relation to a failure to make a decision within the period within which the decision was required to be made, the Supreme Court may, in its discretion, make all or any of the following orders: (a) an order directing the making of the decision; (b) an order declaring the rights of the parties in relation to the making of the decision; (c) an order directing any of the parties to do, or to refrain from doing, anything to do justice between the parties. (4) The Supreme Court may at any time, on its own initiative or on the application of any party, revoke, vary, or suspend the operation of any order made by it under this section. 18 Change in person holding, or performing the duties of, an office (1) This section applies if— (a) a person has, in the performance of the duties of an office, made a decision in relation to which an application may be made to the Supreme Court under this Act; and (b) the person no longer holds, or, for whatever reason, is not performing the duties of, that office. (2) This Act has effect as if the decision had been made by— (a) the person for the time being holding or performing the duties of that office; or (b) if there is no person for the time being holding or performing the duties of that office or that office no longer exists—the person that the Minister administering the enactment under which the decision was made, or a person authorised by that Minister, specifies. Section 19 page 22 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 19 Intervention by Minister (1) The Minister may, on behalf of the Territory, intervene in a proceeding before the Supreme Court under this Act. (2) If the Minister intervenes in a proceeding— (a) the Minister is taken to be a party to the proceeding; and (b) the Supreme Court may, in the proceeding, make orders about costs against the Territory that the court considers appropriate. 19A Intervention by other people (1) The Supreme Court may, on application by a party or its own initiative, give leave to a person (an intervener) to intervene in a proceeding under this Act. (2) In considering whether to give leave, the Supreme Court— (a) must have regard to the following: (i) whether the intervener’s contribution is different from the contribution of the parties to the proceeding; (ii) whether the intervener’s contribution is likely to be useful to the court; (iii) whether the intervention will unreasonably interfere with the ability of someone who has a private interest in the subject matter of the application to deal with it differently or at all; and (b) may have regard to any other matter the court considers relevant. (3) The Supreme Court may give leave subject to conditions. (4) There is no right of appeal in relation to a decision of the Supreme Court under this section. Section 20 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 23 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 20 Act not to apply to certain decisions (1) A regulation may declare decisions to be decisions that are not subject to judicial review by the Supreme Court under this Act. (2) If a regulation is so made in relation to a decision— (a) section 5 does not apply in relation to that decision; and (b) section 6 does not apply in relation to conduct that has been, is being, or is proposed to be, engaged in for the purpose of making that decision; and (c) section 7 does not apply in relation to a failure to make that decision. (3) A regulation made for subsection (1) applies only in relation to decisions made after the regulation take effect. 21 Regulation-making power The Executive may make regulations for this Act. Note A regulation must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act. Schedule 1 Decisions to which this Act does not apply page 24 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Schedule 1 Decisions to which this Act does not apply (see dict, def decision to which this Act applies) column 1 item column 2 enactment column 3 decision under enactment 1 Building Act 2004 • a decision under section 96 (Approval of fidelity fund schemes) • a decision under section 107 (Suspension or cancellation of approval of approved scheme) 2 Confiscation of Criminal Assets Act 2003 • any decision 3 Crimes (Restorative Justice) Act 2004 • any decision 4 Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005 A decision of the director-general under any of the following provisions: • section 20 (Directions to escort officers) • section 31 (Early release of offender) • section 37 (Full-time detention—return from NSW) • section 43 (Intensive correction order— alcohol and drug tests) • section 50 (Intensive correction orders— community service work—alcohol and drug tests) • section 95 (Good behaviour orders— community service work—alcohol and drug tests) • section 96 (Good behaviour orders— community service work—frisk searches). Decisions to which this Act does not apply Schedule 1 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au column 1 item column 2 enactment column 3 decision under enactment 5 Duties Act 1999 • a decision making or forming part of the process of making, or leading up to the making of, an assessment • a decision disallowing, completely or partly, an objection to an assessment • a decision refusing to amend, completely or partly, an assessment 6 Electoral Act 1992 • a decision under part 4 (Electorates) 7 Financial Institutions Duty Act 1987 (which has been repealed) • a decision making or forming part of the process of making, or leading up to the making, of an assessment • a decision disallowing, completely or partly, an objection to an assessment • a decision refusing to amend, completely or partly, an assessment 8 Gene Technology (GM Crop Moratorium) Act 2004 • a decision of the Minister under section 7 (Moratorium orders) • a decision of the Minister under section 8 (Exemptions) 9 Gungahlin Drive Extension Authorisation Act 2004 (which has been repealed) • any decision 10 Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (ACT) • any decision 11 Inquiries Act 1991 • any decision Schedule 1 Decisions to which this Act does not apply page 26 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au column 1 item column 2 enactment column 3 decision under enactment 12 Judicial Commissions Act 1994 • a decision of the Executive under section 5 (1), section 17 (3) or section 18 • a decision of a member of the Legislative Assembly to propose a motion in accordance with section 14 (4) (a) or to give notice of the motion to the Attorney-General in accordance with section 14 (4) (b) • a decision of the Attorney-General under section 15 (1) or section 23 (3) • a decision of the judicial council • a decision of a judicial commission 13 Legislation Act 2001 • a decision under chapter 5 (Regulatory impact statements for subordinate laws and disallowable instruments) 14 Payroll Tax Act 2011 • a decision making or forming part of the process of making, or leading up to the making, of an assessment • a decision disallowing, completely or partly, an objection to an assessment • a decision refusing to amend, completely or partly, an assessment 15 Planning Act 2023 • a decision under chapter 6 (Significant development), chapter 7 (Development assessment and approvals) or chapter 10 (Leases and licences) in relation to a development proposal that is related to light rail, other than a development proposal involving a protected matter 16 Royal Commissions Act 1991 • any decision Decisions to which this Act does not apply Schedule 1 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 27 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au column 1 item column 2 enactment column 3 decision under enactment 17 Stamp Duties and Taxes Act 1987 (which has been repealed) • a decision making or forming part of the process of making, or leading up to the making, of an assessment • a decision disallowing, completely or partly, an objection to an assessment • a decision refusing to amend, completely or partly, an assessment 18 Taxation Administration Act 1999 • a decision making or forming part of the process of making, or leading up to the making, of an assessment • a decision disallowing, completely or partly, an objection to an assessment • a decision refusing to amend, completely or partly, an assessment Schedule 2 Decisions to which s 13 does not apply Section 2.1 page 28 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Schedule 2 Decisions to which s 13 does not apply (see s 13 (13)) 2.1 Administration of criminal justice A decision relating to the administration of criminal justice and, in particular— (a) a decision in relation to the investigation or prosecution of a person for an offence against a law in force in the ACT; and (b) a decision in relation to the appointment of an investigator or inspector for the purposes of such an investigation; and (c) a decision in relation to the issue of a search warrant under a law in force in the ACT; and (d) a decision under a law in force in the ACT requiring the production of a document, the giving of information or the issue of a subpoena or summons to a person as a witness. 2.2 Civil proceedings A decision relating to the bringing or conduct of a civil proceeding, including a decision relating to, or that may result, in the bringing of a civil proceeding for the recovery of a financial penalty arising from a contravention of an enactment and, in particular— (a) a decision in relation to the investigation of a person for such a contravention; and (b) a decision in relation to the appointment of an investigator or inspector for the purposes of such an investigation; and Decisions to which s 13 does not apply Schedule 2 Section 2.3 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 29 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au (c) a decision in relation to the issue of a search warrant under an enactment; and (d) a decision under an enactment requiring the production of a document, the giving of information or the issue of a subpoena or summons to a person as a witness. 2.3 Decisions relating to territory finance The following decisions: (a) a decision authorised by an Act to issue an amount out of the public money of the Territory; (b) a decision of the Treasurer under the Financial Management Act 1996— (i) section 7A (Temporary advance for new purpose or new entity); or (ii) section 18 (Treasurer’s advance); or (iii) section 18B (Treasurer’s advance—reduction of amounts); or (iv) section 18E (Capital works reserve—authorising payments from reserve); or (v) section 18F (Capital works reserve—reducing partially unused payments); (c) a decision in relation to the enforcement of a judgment or order for the recovery of an amount by— (i) the Territory; or (ii) a public servant in an official capacity; Schedule 2 Decisions to which s 13 does not apply Section 2.4 page 30 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 2.4 Decisions relating to administration of the public service A decision relating to— (a) personnel management (including recruitment, training, promotion and organisation) in relation to the public service, other than a decision relating to, and having regard to the particular characteristics of, or other circumstances relating to, a particular person; or (b) the promotion, transfer, temporary performance of duties, of or by an individual officer of the public service; or (c) the making of an appointment to the public service; or (d) the engagement of a person as an employee under the Public Sector Management Act 1994; or (e) the prevention or settlement of an industrial dispute, or otherwise relating to industrial matters, in relation to the public service; or (f) the appointment, or ending of the appointment, of a director-general under the Public Sector Management Act 1994. 2.5 Certain other appointment decisions A decision relating to— (a) the making of an appointment under an enactment or to an office established under an enactment; or (b) the appointment, or the ending of the appointment, of the public sector standards commissioner or the head of service; or (c) the employment, or the ending of employment, of staff under the Legislative Assembly (Members’ Staff) Act 1989. Decisions to which s 13 does not apply Schedule 2 Section 2.6 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 31 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 2.6 Certain decisions under the Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act A decision by the director-general under any of the following provisions of the Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005: • section 25 (Full-time detention—director-general directions) • section 28 (Work and activities by full-time detainee) • section 46 (Intensive correction orders—community service work—director-general directions) • section 87 (Good behaviour—director-general directions) • section 91 (Good behaviour orders—community service work— director-general directions) • section 92 (Good behaviour orders—community service work— failure to report etc) • section 100 (Good behaviour orders—rehabilitation programs— director-general directions) • section 138 (Parole—director-general directions) • section 302 (Release on licence—director-general directions) • section 321 (Director-general directions—general). 2.7 Decisions of the ACAT A decision of the ACAT. Dictionary page 32 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Dictionary (see s 2) Note 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to this Act. Note 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1 defines the following terms: • ACAT • business day • corporation • fail • head of service • individual • judge • Minister (see s 162) • public sector standards commissioner • public servant • regulation • Supreme Court • the Territory. conduct engaged in for the purpose of making a decision—see section 3C. decision, of the ACAT—see the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, dictionary. decision to which this Act applies means a decision of an administrative character made, proposed to be made or required to be made (whether in the exercise of a discretion or not) under an enactment, other than a decision mentioned in schedule 1. duty includes a duty imposed on a person in his or her capacity as a public employee. Dictionary R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 33 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au eligible person, for an application under this Act, means— (a) an individual; or (b) a corporation, if the subject matter of the application relates to a matter that happens after the corporation was incorporated or came into existence; or (c) an unincorporated organisation or association if the subject matter of the application relates to a matter that— (i) forms part of the objects or purposes of the organisation or association; and (ii) happens after the organisation or association came into existence. enactment means— (a) an Act or subordinate law; or (b) the Canberra Water Supply (Googong Dam) Act 1974 (Cwlth). Note A reference to an Act or subordinate law includes a reference to a provision of an Act or subordinate law (see Legislation Act, s 7 and s 8). failure to make a decision—see section 3A. making a decision—see section 3A. order of review, in relation to a decision, in relation to conduct engaged in for the purpose of making a decision or in relation to a failure to make a decision, means an order on an application made under section 5, section 6 or section 7 in relation to the decision, conduct or failure. statement of reasons, for a decision, means a statement— (a) of the findings on material questions of fact; and (b) referring to the evidence or other material on which the findings were based; and (c) giving the reasons for the decision. Endnotes 1 About the endnotes page 34 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Endnotes 1 About the endnotes Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law but are set out in the endnotes. Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office. Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are underlined in the legislation history and amendment history. If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered provisions gives details of previous and current numbering. The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications. 2 Abbreviation key A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument AF = Approved form o = order am = amended om = omitted/repealed amdt = amendment ord = ordinance AR = Assembly resolution orig = original ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph CN = Commencement notice pres = present def = definition prev = previous DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously dict = dictionary pt = part disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule Assembly reloc = relocated div = division renum = renumbered exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No Gaz = gazette RI = reissue hdg = heading s = section/subsection IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law LR = legislation register sub = substituted LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced mod = modified/modification or to be expired Endnotes Legislation history 3 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 35 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 3 Legislation history This Act was originally a Commonwealth ordinance—the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Ordinance 1989 No 33 (Cwlth). The Australian Capital Territory (Self-Government) Act 1988 (Cwlth), s 34 (4) converted most former Commonwealth ordinances in force in the ACT into ACT enactments. This allowed the ACT Legislative Assembly to amend and repeal the laws. This Act was converted into an ACT enactment on 11 May 1989 (self- government day). As with most ordinances in force in the ACT, the name was changed from Ordinance to Act by the Self-Government (Citation of Laws) Act 1989 A1989-21, s 5 on 11 May 1989 (self-government day). Legislation before becoming Territory enactment Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 A1989-33 notified 10 May 1989 commenced 11 May 1989 (s 2) as amended by Legislation after becoming Territory enactment Royal Commissions and Inquiries (Consequential Provisions) Act 1991 A1991-3 sch notified 1 March 1991 (Gaz 1991 No S7) s 1, s 2 commenced 1 March 1991 (s 2 (1)) sch commenced 1 May 1991 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1991 No 16) Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) (Amendment) Act 1991 A1991-102 notified 15 January 1992 (Gaz 1991 No S3) s 1, s 2 commenced 15 January 1992 (s 2 (1)) remainder (ss 3-5) commenced 15 July 1992 (s 2 (3)) Electoral Act 1992 A1992-71 s 53 notified 8 December 1992 (Gaz 1992 No S218) s 1, s 2 commenced 8 December 1992 (s 2 (1)) s 53 commenced 21 December 1992 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1992 No S243) Endnotes 3 Legislation history page 36 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) (Amendment) Act 1993 A1993-65 notified 6 September 1993 (Gaz 1993 No S172) commenced 6 September 1993 (s 2) Supreme Court (Amendment) Act (No 2) 1993 A1993-91 sch 3 notified 17 December 1993 (Gaz 1993 No S258) sch 3 commenced 17 December 1993 (s 2) Judicial Commissions (Consequential Amendments) Act 1994 A1994-10 s 4 notified 14 March 1994 (Gaz 1994 No S44) s 4 commenced 14 March 1994 (s 2) Public Sector Management (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 1994 A1994-38 sch 1 pt 3 notified 30 June 1994 (Gaz 1994 No S121) s 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 1994 (s 2 (1)) sch 1 pt 3 commenced 1 July 1994 (s 2 (2) and Gaz 1994 No S142) Financial Management and Audit (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 1996 A1996-26 sch pt 1 notified 1 July 1996 (Gaz 1996 No S130) sch pt 1 commenced 1 July 1996 (s 2) Land (Planning and Environment) (Amendment) Act (No 3) 1996 A1996-85 s 88 notified 24 December 1996 (Gaz 1996 No S345) s 1, s 2 commenced 24 December 1996 (s 2 (1)) s 88 commenced 24 June 1997 (s 2 (3)) Tobacco Licensing (Amendment) Act 1998 A1998-18 sch 1 notified 10 July 1998 (Gaz 1998 No S190) commenced 10 July 1998 (s 2) Taxation Administration (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 1999 A1999-5 sch 2 notified 1 March 1999 (Gaz 1999 No S8) s 1, s 2 commenced 1 March 1999 (s 2 (1)) sch 2 commenced 1 March 1999 (s 2 (2)) Endnotes Legislation history 3 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 37 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Duties (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 1999 A1999-8 s 33 notified 1 March 1999 (Gaz 1999 No S8) ss 1-3 commenced 1 March 1999 (s 2 (1)) s 33 commenced 1 March 1999 (s 2 (2) and see Duties Act 1999 A1999-7, s 2 (2) and Gaz 1999 No S8) Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1999 A1999-66 sch 3 notified 10 November 1999 (Gaz 1999 No 45) commenced 10 November 1999 (s 2) Tobacco Amendment Act 2000 A2000-16 sch 3 pt 1 notified 20 April 2000 (Gaz 2000 No 16) s 1, s 2 commenced 20 April 2000 (s 2 (1)) sch 3 pt 1 commenced 1 July 2000 (s 2 (3)) Subordinate Laws Amendment Act 2000 A2000-71 sch 2 notified 21 December 2000 (Gaz 2000 No S69) s 1, s 2 commenced 21 December 2000 (IA s 10B) sch 2 commenced 21 June 2001 (IA s 10E) Legislation (Consequential Amendments) Act 2001 A2001-44 pt 6 notified 26 July 2001 (Gaz 2001 No 30) s 1, s 2 commenced 26 July 2001 (IA s 10B) pt 6 commenced 12 September 2001 (s 2 and see Gaz 2001 No S65) Building Amendment Act 2002 A2002-15 s 14 notified LR 17 May 2002 s 1, s 2 commenced 17 May 2002 (LA s 75) s 14 commenced 18 May 2002 (s 2) Plant Diseases Act 2002 A2002-42 s 44 notified LR 2 December 2002 s 1, s 2 commenced 2 December 2002 (LA s 75 (1)) s 44 commenced 2 June 2003 (s 2 and LA s 79) Confiscation of Criminal Assets Act 2003 A2003-8 sch 1 pt 1.1 notified LR 27 March 2003 s 1, s 2 commenced 27 March 2003 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.1 commenced 15 August 2003 (s 2 and CN2003-7) Endnotes 3 Legislation history page 38 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Construction Occupations Legislation Amendment Act 2004 A2004-13 sch 2 pt 2.1 notified LR 26 March 2004 s 1, s 2 commenced 26 March 2004 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 2 pt 2.1 commenced 1 September 2004 (s 2 and see Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 A2004-12, s 2 and CN2004-8) Gungahlin Drive Extension Authorisation Act 2004 A2004-27 s 15 notified LR 26 May 2004 s 1, s 2 commenced 26 May 2004 (LA s 75 (1)) s 15 commenced 27 May 2004 (s 2) Gene Technology (GM Crop Moratorium) Act 2004 A2004-40 s 40 notified LR 9 July 2004 s 1, s 2 commenced 9 July 2004 (LA s 75 (1)) s 40 commenced 10 July 2004 (s 2) Heritage Act 2004 A2004-57 sch 1 pt 1.2 notified LR 9 September 2004 s 1, s 2 commenced 9 September 2004 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.2 commenced 9 March 2005 (s 2 and LA s 79) Court Procedures (Consequential Amendments) Act 2004 A2004-60 sch 1 pt 1.3 notified LR 2 September 2004 s 1, s 2 commenced 2 September 2004 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.3 commenced 10 January 2005 (s 2 and see Court Procedures Act 2004 A2004-59, s 2 and CN2004-29) Crimes (Restorative Justice) Act 2004 A2004-65 s 76 notified LR 6 September 2004 s 1, s 2 commenced 6 September 2004 (LA s 75 (1)) s 76 commenced 31 January 2005 (s 2 and CN2004-28) Statute Law Amendment Act 2005 (No 2) A2005-62 sch 3 pt 3.1 notified LR 21 December 2005 s 1, s 2 commenced 21 December 2005 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 3 pt 3.1 commenced 11 January 2006 (s 2 (1)) Endnotes Legislation history 3 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 39 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Sentencing Legislation Amendment Act 2006 A2006-23 sch 1 pt 1.1 notified LR 18 May 2006 s 1, s 2 commenced 18 May 2006 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.1 commenced 2 June 2006 (s 2 (1) and see Crimes (Sentence Administration) Act 2005 A2005-59 s 2, Crimes (Sentencing) Act 2005 A2005-58, s 2 and LA s 79) Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2006 A2006-40 sch 2 pt 2.3 notified LR 28 September 2006 s 1, s 2 commenced 28 September 2006 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 2 pt 2.3 commenced 29 September 2006 (s 2 (1)) Water Resources Act 2007 A2007-19 s 208 notified LR 20 June 2007 s 1, s 2 commenced 20 June 2007 (LA s 75 (1)) s 208 commenced 1 August 2007 (s 2 and CN2007-8) Planning and Development (Consequential Amendments) Act 2007 A2007-25 sch 1 pt 1.2 notified LR 13 September 2007 s 1, s 2 commenced 13 September 2007 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.2 commenced 31 March 2008 (s 2 and see Planning and Development Act 2007 A2007-24, s 2 and CN2008-1) ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Legislation Amendment Act 2008 A2008-36 sch 1 pt 1.2 notified LR 4 September 2008 s 1, s 2 commenced 4 September 2008 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.2 commenced 2 February 2009 (s 2 and see ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008 A2008-35, s 2 and CN2009-2) Development Application (Block 20 Section 23 Hume) Assessment Facilitation Act 2008 A2008-52 s 12 notified LR 16 December 2008 s 1, s 2 commenced 16 December 2008 (LA s 75 (1)) s 12 commenced 17 December 2008 (s 2) Endnotes 3 Legislation history page 40 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (ACT) Act 2010 A2010-10 sch 2 pt 2.1 notified LR 31 March 2010 s 1, s 2 commenced 31 March 2010 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 2 pt 2.1 commenced 1 July 2010 (s 2 (1) (a)) Payroll Tax Act 2011 A2011-18 sch 4 pt 4.1 notified LR 30 June 2011 s 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 2011 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 4 pt 4.1 commenced 1 July 2011 (s 2) Administrative (One ACT Public Service Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2011 A2011-22 sch 1 pt 1.4 notified LR 30 June 2011 s 1, s 2 commenced 30 June 2011 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.4 commenced 1 July 2011 (s 2 (1)) Justice and Community Safety Legislation Amendment Act 2012 A2012-13 sch 1 pt 1.2 notified LR 11 April 2012 s 1, s 2 commenced 11 April 2012 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.2 commenced 12 April 2012 (s 2 (1)) Statute Law Amendment Act 2013 A2013-19 sch 3 pt 3.1 notified LR 24 May 2013 s 1, s 2 commenced 24 May 2013 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 3 pt 3.1 commenced 14 June 2013 (s 2) Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Amendment Act 2013 A2013-37 notified LR 25 September 2013 s 1, s 2 commenced 25 September 2013 (LA s 75 (1)) remainder commenced 26 September 2013 (s 2) Planning and Development (Symonston Mental Health Facility) Amendment Act 2014 A2014-26 sch 1 pt 1.1 notified LR 12 June 2014 s 1, s 2 commenced 12 June 2014 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.1 commenced 13 June 2014 (s 2) Endnotes Legislation history 3 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 41 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Judicial Commissions Amendment Act 2015 A2015-1 sch 1 pt 1.1 (as am by A2015-52 s 28) notified LR 25 February 2015 s 1, s 2 commenced 25 February 2015 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.1 commenced 1 February 2017 (s 2 (as am by A2015-52 s 28)) Planning and Development (Capital Metro) Legislation Amendment Act 2015 A2015-2 pt 2 notified LR 25 February 2015 s 1, s 2 commenced 25 February 2015 (LA s 75 (1)) s 5 commenced 2 April 2015 (s 2 (1) and see Planning and Development (Bilateral Agreement) Amendment Act 2014 A2014-41, s 2 and LA s 79) pt 2 remainder commenced 2 April 2015 (s 2 (2) and CN2015-2) Financial Management Amendment Act 2015 A2015-34 sch 1 pt 1.1 notified LR 30 September 2015 s 1, s 2 commenced 30 September 2015 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.1 amdt 1.2 commenced 1 July 2016 (s 2 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.1 remainder commenced 1 October 2015 (s 2 (2)) Courts Legislation Amendment Act 2015 (No 2) A2015-52 pt 10 notified LR 26 November 2015 s 1, s 2 commenced 26 November 2015 (LA s 75 (1)) pt 10 (s 28) commenced 10 December 2015 (s 2 (2)) Note Pt 10 (s 28) only amends the Judicial Commissions Amendment Act 2015 A2015-1 Crimes (Sentencing and Restorative Justice) Amendment Act 2016 A2016-4 sch 1 pt 1.1 notified LR 24 February 2016 s 1, s 2 commenced 24 February 2016 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.1 commenced 2 March 2016 (s 2 (1)) Public Sector Management Amendment Act 2016 A2016-52 sch 1 pt 1.4 notified LR 25 August 2016 s 1, s 2 commenced 25 August 2016 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.4 commenced 1 September 2016 (s 2) Endnotes 3 Legislation history page 42 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Financial Management Amendment Act 2019 A2019-8 s 9 notified LR 11 April 2019 s 1, s 2 commenced 11 April 2019 (LA s 75 (1)) s 9 commenced 12 April 2019 (s 2) Planning (Consequential Amendments) Act 2023 A2023-36 sch 1 pt 1.2 notified LR 29 September 2023 s 1, s 2 commenced 29 September 2023 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 1 pt 1.2 commenced 27 November 2023 (s 2 (1) and see Planning Act 2023 A2023-18, s 2 (2) and CN2023-10) Biosecurity Legislation Amendment Act 2024 A2024-11 sch 2 pt 2.1, sch 3 pt 3.1 notified LR 19 April 2024 s 1, s 2 commenced 19 April 2024 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 2 pt 2.1, sch 3 pt 3.1 commenced 15 May 2025 (s 2 and see Biosecurity Act 2023 A2023-50, s 2 (2)) Statute Law Amendment Act 2025 A2025-29 sch 3 pt 3.2 notified LR 6 November 2025 s 1, s 2 commenced 6 November 2025 (LA s 75 (1)) sch 3 pt 3.2 commenced 16 November 2025 (s 2 (1)) Endnotes Amendment history 4 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 43 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 4 Amendment history Dictionary s 2 om A2001-44 amdt 1.42 ins A2005-62 amdt 3.5 am A2013-37 s 4 Notes s 3 am A1991-102 s 4; A1993-65 s 4; A1996-85 s 88; A2001-44 amdts 1.43-1.45 defs reloc to dict A2005-62 amdt 3.4 sub A2005-62 amdt 3.5 def failure om A2005-62 amdt 3.2 def judge om A2005-62 amdt 3.2 def rules of court am A1993-91 sch 3 om A2004-60 amdt 1.7 Meaning of making and failure to make a decision s 3A ins A2005-62 amdt 3.6 Meaning of person aggrieved s 3B ins A2005-62 amdt 3.6 om A2013-37 s 5 Meaning of conduct engaged in for purpose of making decision s 3C ins A2005-62 amdt 3.6 Act to operate despite anything in existing laws s 4 am A2005-62 amdt 3.7 Who may make an application under this Act s 4A ins A2013-37 s 6 am A2023-36 amdt 1.5 Applications for review of decisions s 5 am A2005-62 amdts 3.8-3.15; A2012-13 amdt 1.12; A2013-37 s 7 Applications for review of conduct related to making of decisions s 6 am A2005-62 amdts 3.16-3.23; A2013-37 s 8 Applications for failures to make decisions s 7 hdg sub A2005-62 amdt 3.24 s 7 am A2005-62 amdts 3.25-3.30; A2013-37 s 9, s 10 Endnotes 4 Amendment history page 44 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Effect of Act on other rights s 8 orig s 8 om A2005-62 amdt 3.31 (prev s 9) am A1991-102 s 5; A1993-65 s 5; A1999-66 sch 3; A2004-57 amdt 1.3; A2005-62 amdts 3.32-3.34 renum A2005-62 amdt 3.35 am A2006-40 amdt 2.47; A2007-25 amdt 1.11, amdt 1.12 (4)-(6) exp 30 September 2008 (s 8 (6) (LA s 88 declaration applies)) am A2023-36 amdt 1.5 Applications for order of review must set out grounds s 9 hdg (prev s 10 hdg) sub A2005-62 amdt 3.36 s 9 orig s 9 renum as s 8 (prev s 10 hdg) am A2004-60 amdt 1.8; ss and pars renum R13 LA (see A2004-60 amdt 1.9); A2005-62 amdt 3.37, amdt 3.38 renum A2005-62 amdt 3.39 Period in which application for order of review must be made s 10 orig s 10 renum as s 9 ins A2005-62 amdt 3.40; A2013-19 amdt 3.1 am A2024-11 amdt 2.1; ss renum R40 LA Application for order of review not limited to grounds in application s 11 sub A2005-62 amdt 3.40 Application to be made a party to a proceeding s 12 am A2013-37 s 11 Reasons for decision may be obtained s 13 am A2005-62 amdt 3.41, amdt 3.42, amdt 3.44, amdt 3.45, amdt 3.47; ss renum A2005-62 amdt 3.43, amdt 3.46; A2008-36 amdt 1.13; A2025-29 amdt 3.2 Certain information not required to be disclosed s 14 am A2005-62 amdts 3.48-3.51 Ministerial certificate about disclosure of information s 15 hdg sub A2005-62 amdt 3.52 s 15 am A2005-62 amdts 3.53-3.55; ss renum A2005-62 amdt 3.56 Stay of proceedings s 16 am A1999-66 sch 3; A2005-62 amdt 3.57, amdt 3.58 Powers of Supreme Court in relation to applications for order of review s 17 hdg sub A2005-62 amdt 3.59 s 17 am A2005-62 amdt 3.60-3.62 Change in person holding, or performing the duties of, an office s 18 am A2005-62 amdt 3.63; ss renum R17 LA Endnotes Amendment history 4 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 45 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Intervention by Minister s 19 sub A2005-62 amdt 3.64 Intervention by other people s 19A ins A2013-37 s 12 Act not to apply to certain decisions s 20 am A2005-62 amdt 3.65; ss renum A2005-62 amdt 3.66 Regulation-making power s 21 sub A2001-44 amdt 1.46 Transitional—sch 1, clause 5 s 22 ins A2004-13 amdt 2.1 exp 1 July 2005 (s 22 (2)) Decisions to which this Act does not apply sch 1 am A1991-3 sch; A1992-71 s 53; A1994-10 s 4; A1998-18 sch 1; A1999-5 sch 2; A1999-8 s 33; A2000-16 sch 3 pt 1; A2001-44 amdt 1.47; A2002-15 s 14; A2002-42, s 44; A2003-8 amdt 1.1; A2004-13 amdt 2.2; A2004-27 s 15; A2004-40 s 40; A2004-65 s 76 sub A2005-62 amdt 3.67 am A2006-23 amdt 1.1; items renum A2006-23 amdt 1.2; A2007-19 s 208; A2008-52 s 12; items renum R23 LA; A2010-10 amdt 2.1; items renum R25 LA; A2011-18 amdt 4.1; A2011-22 amdt 1.18; A2014-26 amdt 1.1; A2015-2 s 4, s 5; A2016-4 amdt 1.1; A2015-1 amdt 1.1; A2023-36 amdt 1.6; items renum R39 LA; A2024-11 amdt 2.2, amdts 3.1-3.3; items renum R40 LA Decisions to which s 13 does not apply sch 2 am A1994-38 sch 1 pt 3; A1996-26 sch sub A2005-62 amdt 3.68 am A2006-23 amdt 1.3; A2008-36 amdt 1.14; A2011-22 amdt 1.19, amdt 1.20; A2015-34 amdt 1.1; A2016-4 amdt 1.2, amdt 1.3; A2015-34 amdt 1.2; pars renum R35 LA; A2016-52 amdt 1.10; A2019-8 s 9; A2024-11 amdt 3.4 Dictionary dict ins A2005-62 amdt 3.69 am A2008-36 amdt 1.15; A2013-37 s 13; A2016-52 amdt 1.11; A2024-11 amdt 2.3 def conduct engaged in ins A2005-62 amdt 3.69 def decision ins A2008-36 amdt 1.16 def decision to which this Act applies reloc from s 3 A2005-62 amdt 3.4 def duty am A1994-38 sch 1 pt 3 reloc from s 3 A2005-62 amdt 3.4 Endnotes 4 Amendment history page 46 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au def eligible person ins A2013-37 s 14 def enactment am A1999-66 sch 3 sub A2005-62 amdt 3.1 reloc from s 3 A2005-62 amdt 3.4 def failure to make ins A2005-62 amdt 3.69 def making ins A2005-62 amdt 3.69 def order of review am A2005-62 amdt 3.3 reloc from s 3 A2005-62 amdt 3.4 def person aggrieved ins A2005-62 amdt 3.69 om A2013-37 s 15 def statement of reasons ins A2005-62 amdt 3.69 Endnotes Earlier republications 5 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 47 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au 5 Earlier republications Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to the publication order. Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an authorised republication are identical. Republication No and date Effective Last amendment made by Republication for R1 (RI) 19 Dec 2019 15 July 1992– 20 Dec 1992 A1991-102 initial republication since self-government reissue of printed version R1A 19 Dec 2019 21 Dec 1992– 5 Sept 1993 A1992-71 amendments by A1992-71 R1B 19 Dec 2019 6 Sept 1993– 16 Dec 1993 A1993-65 amendments by A1993-65 R2 (RI) 19 Dec 2019 17 Dec 1993– 13 Mar 1994 A1993-91 amendments by A1993-91 reissue of printed version R2A 19 Dec 2019 14 Mar 1994– 30 June 1994 A1994-10 amendments by A1994-10 R3 (RI) 19 Dec 2019 1 July 1994– 30 June 1996 A1994-38 amendments by A1994-38 reissue of printed version R4 (RI) 19 Dec 2019 30 Nov 1996– 23 June 1997 A1996-26 amendments by A1996-26 reissue of printed version Endnotes 5 Earlier republications page 48 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Republication No and date Effective Last amendment made by Republication for R5 (RI) 19 Dec 2019 1 Mar 1999– 9 Nov 1999 A1999-8 amendments by A1996-85, A1998-18, A1999-5 and A1999-8 reissue of printed version R5A 19 Dec 2019 10 Nov 1999– 30 June 2000 A1999-66 amendments by A1999-66 R5B 19 Dec 2019 1 July 2000– 20 June 2001 A2000-16 amendments by A2000-16 R6 12 Sept 2001 12 Sept 2001– 17 May 2002 A2001-44 amendments by A2000-71 and A2001-44 R7 20 May 2002 18 May 2002– 1 June 2003 A2002-15 amendments by A2002-15 R8 2 June 2003 2 June 2003– 14 Aug 2003 A2003-8 amendments by A2002-42 R9 15 Aug 2003 15 Aug 2003– 26 May 2004 A2003-8 amendments by A2003-8 R10 27 May 2004 27 May 2004– 9 July 2004 A2004-27 amendments by A2004-27 R11 10 July 2004 10 July 2004– 31 Aug 2004 A2004-40 amendments by A2004-40 R12 1 Sept 2004 1 Sept 2004– 9 Jan 2005 A2004-40 amendments by A2004-13 R13 10 Jan 2005 10 Jan 2005– 30 Jan 2005 A2004-65 amendments by A2004-60 R14 31 Jan 2005 31 Jan 2005– 8 Mar 2005 A2004-65 amendments by A2004-65 R15 9 Mar 2005 9 Mar 2005– 1 July 2005 A2004-65 amendments by A2004-57 R16 2 July 2005 2 July 2005– 10 Jan 2006 A2004-65 commenced expiry R17* 11 Jan 2006 11 Jan 2006– 1 June 2006 A2005-62 amendments by A2005-62 Endnotes Earlier republications 5 R41 16/11/25 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 page 49 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Republication No and date Effective Last amendment made by Republication for R18 2 June 2006 2 June 2006– 28 Sept 2006 A2006-23 amendments by A2006-23 R19 29 Sept 2006 29 Sept 2006– 31 July 2007 A2006-40 amendments by A2006-40 R20 1 Aug 2007 1 Aug 2007– 30 Mar 2008 A2007-19 amendments by A2007-19 R21 31 Mar 2008 31 Mar 2008– 30 Sept 2008 A2007-25 amendments by A2007-25 R22 1 Oct 2008 1 Oct 2008– 16 Dec 2008 A2008-36 commenced expiry R23 17 Dec 2008 17 Dec 2008– 1 Feb 2009 A2008-52 amendments by A2008-52 R24 2 Feb 2009 2 Feb 2009– 30 June 2010 A2008-52 amendments by A2008-36 R25* 1 July 2010 1 July 2010– 30 June 2011 A2010-10 amendments by A2010-10 R26 1 July 2011 1 July 2011– 11 Apr 2012 A2011-22 amendments by A2011-18 and A2011-22 R27 12 Apr 2012 12 Apr 2012– 13 June 2013 A2012-13 amendments by A2012-13 R28 14 June 2013 14 June 2013– 25 Sept 2013 A2013-19 amendments by A2013-19 R29 26 Sept 2013 26 Sept 2013– 12 June 2014 A2013-37 amendments by A2013-37 R30 13 June 2014 13 June 2014– 1 Apr 2015 A2014-26 amendments by A2014-26 R31 2 Apr 2015 2 Apr 2015– 30 Sept 2015 A2015-2 amendments by A2015-2 R32 1 Oct 2015 1 Oct 2015– 9 Dec 2015 A2015-34 amendments by A2015-34 R33 10 Dec 2015 10 Dec 2015– 1 Mar 2016 A2015-34 updated endnotes as amended by A2015-52 Endnotes 5 Earlier republications page 50 Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1989 Effective: 16/11/25 R41 16/11/25 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au Republication No and date Effective Last amendment made by Republication for R34 2 Mar 2016 2 Mar 2016– 30 June 2016 A2016-4 amendments by A2016-4 R35 1 July 2016 1 July 2016– 31 Aug 2016 A2016-4 amendments by A2015-34 R36 1 Sept 2016 1 Sept 2016– 31 Jan 2017 A2016-52 amendments by A2016-52 R37 1 Feb 2017 1 Feb 2017– 11 Apr 2019 A2016-52 amendments by A2015-1 as amended by A2015-52 R38 12 Apr 2019 12 Apr 2019– 26 Nov 2023 A2019-8 amendments by A2019-8 R39 27 Nov 2023 27 Nov 2023– 14 May 2025 A2023-36 amendments by A2023-36 R40 15 May 2025 15 May 2025– 15 Nov 2025 A2024-11 amendments by A2024-11 © Australian Capital Territory 2025