Two years ago the Statutes Amendment (SACAT) Act 2014 (SA) was assented to on 11th December 2014. The Act granted a range of jurisdictions to the new South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT). Parts 6 and 7 of the 2014 Act remained unproclaimed and came into operation on 11th December 2016 by force of  Acts Interpretation Act 1915 (SA) s 7(5).

This brings two new review jurisdictions to the SACAT list as an early Christmas present!

1. Reviews of the Treasurer’s decisions on objections about grant decisions under First Home and Housing Construction Grants Act 2000 (SA) can now be brought to SACAT. Previously, appeals had been to the Magistrates Court.
2. Freedom of Information (FOI) reviews have been transferred from the Administrative and Disciplinary Division of the District Court to SACAT. Persons who are aggrieved by FOI determinations made by agencies after internal review (if available), or determinations of the Ombudsman or Police Ombudsman, may seek review by SACAT. Government agencies are confined to questions of law when seeking SACAT review of FOI determinations made by the Ombudsman or Police Ombudsman.

It will be interesting to watch SACAT’s review jurisdiction evolve over the coming years.