Asking for a review of a Commonwealth government decision

Last checked: 31 October 2026

The short answer

If you think a decision by a federal government agency is wrong, start by asking the agency to look at it again. If that does not fix it, you may be able to ask the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) to review it. The ART replaced the AAT on 14 October 2024. Time limits are short, so check your decision letter the day you get it.

Key dates and time limits

• ART review of most Commonwealth decisions: within 28 days after you get the decision. Some types have longer or shorter limits.
• Commonwealth FOI: ask the OAIC for a review within 60 days if access was refused.

Step by step

1. 1

   Read the decision letter closely

   Find the date, who made the decision, and what it says about review rights and time limits. Write the deadline in your calendar. If you have no letter, ask the agency for one.

2. 2

   Ask for reasons and your documents

   Ask the agency to explain the decision in writing. You can also make an FOI request for your file to the agency itself, where there is no fee to apply.

3. 3

   Ask for an internal review

   Write to the agency and say you want the decision looked at again by someone else. Say why you think it is wrong and send any new evidence.

4. 4

   Complain to an Ombudsman if the problem is how you were treated

   The Commonwealth Ombudsman looks at federal agencies such as Services Australia. Complain to the agency first, then to the Ombudsman.

5. 5

   Apply to the tribunal

   For many Commonwealth decisions, apply to the ART online, by phone, email, post or in person. A fee may apply, and you can ask about fee relief.

6. 6

   If you are late, ask for more time

   The ART can sometimes extend a time limit. Apply in writing as soon as you can and explain why you are late.

Who can help

Forms and the law