Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bernardi for his question. I will actually respond, though, in my capacity as the Minister representing the Attorney-General, as the AAT actually sits within the Attorney-General's portfolio and, Senator Bernardi, you have referred to the statutory review by the Hon. Ian Callinan.

You are correct, Senator Bernardi: a review of the AAT has been conducted by former Justice of the High Court Ian Callinan, QC. It was actually the Attorney-General who announced the review. In July he stated as follows:

The review seeks to identify whether the operations of the Tribunal can be further improved to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Commonwealth merits review jurisdiction and support high quality and consistent government decision making.

And that the review provides:

… a timely opportunity to ensure that the Tribunal is meeting its statutory objectives, in particular that it is promoting public trust and confidence through its decisions and that decisions reflect community expectations.

Senator Bernardi, I'm sure you would be aware that the government is committed to ensuring that the integrity of Australia's migration policy is maintained.

In relation to the status of the review itself: I understand, and I'm instructed, that Mr Callinan will provide his report to the Attorney-General in early December 2018, and at that time the government, or the Attorney-General, will carefully consider recommendations made by the review.