Judicial Review
Australian government and administrative bodies are bound by law. When a decision-maker acts unlawfully — by exceeding their powers, failing to observe procedural fairness, or acting with bias — judicial review is the legal mechanism to challenge that decision in the Federal Court or state supreme courts.
How We Can Help
Judicial review in Australia is not an appeal on the merits — it is a challenge to the lawfulness of the administrative decision-making process. Grounds for judicial review include jurisdictional error, failure to observe procedural fairness (natural justice), improper exercise of discretion, and Wednesbury unreasonableness.
Common contexts for judicial review in Australia include immigration visa decisions (AAT/ART), planning and development approvals, government licensing decisions, disciplinary proceedings by professional regulators, and decisions of Commonwealth and State administrative bodies. Adventure Legal appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, the Federal Court, and in state supreme courts.
Judicial review proceedings are technically demanding and time-sensitive. Christopher has experience navigating the procedural requirements and substantive law that govern these applications, and acts with urgency to protect your rights.
- Immigration and visa decisions
- Government licensing and regulatory decisions
- Planning and development approvals
- Disciplinary and professional conduct decisions
- Decisions of tribunals and review bodies
- Procedural fairness challenges
- Unreasonableness and improper purpose grounds
Strict time limits apply. Most judicial review applications must be filed within a very short window after the decision is made. Contact us immediately if you believe a decision has been made unlawfully.
What Happens Next
We make the process as straightforward as possible. Here is what to expect when you engage Adventure Legal.
Urgent Advice
We act quickly to assess whether you have grounds for review and advise on the strict time limits that apply — some as short as 35 days.
Application Filing
We prepare and file the application for review, including grounds and supporting affidavit material, in the appropriate court or tribunal.
Hearing & Outcome
We appear at the hearing, argue your grounds, and if successful seek orders quashing the decision or requiring it to be remade lawfully.
Ready to Discuss Your Case?
Free consultation, no obligation. Speak directly with Christopher today.