What the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) does
SAT reviews decisions made by WA government agencies, local councils and statutory boards, and it resolves disputes across many areas of everyday and commercial life. It draws its powers from over 150 separate Acts of Parliament and is organised into streams covering human rights and guardianship, development and resources, vocational regulation, and commercial and civil matters. Rather than simply checking whether a decision was lawful, in review matters SAT can "stand in the shoes" of the original decision-maker and reach the correct or preferable decision on the merits. It aims to be accessible, quick and low-cost, taking a hands-on approach to identify the real issues and to steer matters towards agreed outcomes where possible.
What it hears
- Guardianship and administration - appointing guardians and administrators, and questions about enduring powers of attorney and advance health directives
- Planning, development and valuation - reviews of local government and planning authority decisions, and heritage matters
- Vocational regulation - disciplinary and licensing matters for professions and occupations
- Equal opportunity - discrimination complaints referred from the Equal Opportunity Commission
- Commercial and civil disputes - strata titles, retirement villages, and commercial tenancy disputes
- Building and construction - building disputes and related orders
- Other administrative reviews - local government, firearms licensing, liquor control, mental health and road traffic decisions
Before your first court date
Once an application is lodged, SAT sets a time, date and place for a first directions hearing and sends written notice of it to the parties. The first directions hearing is usually held about three weeks after the application is lodged. Some matters (for example, certain applications under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990) may instead go straight to a final hearing, so read your notice carefully. Use the time before the date to gather the documents that relate to the decision or dispute, work out clearly what outcome you want and why, and note any dates you cannot attend. If you intend to use a lawyer, need an interpreter, or want to ask to take part by telephone or video, organise that early rather than at the last minute.
What happens at your first appearance
A directions hearing is not the final hearing of your case. A SAT member or judge takes a hands-on approach to identify the real issues in dispute and to decide the most appropriate, quickest and least costly way forward. Whoever attends - you or your representative - should be familiar with the matter and able to state your position, so come prepared to explain what the dispute is about and what you are seeking. From a directions hearing the matter may be referred to mediation or a compulsory conference, listed for a final hearing, decided on the documents, or set down for further directions. Most hearings are held at the SAT offices in Perth; if you live outside the metropolitan area, are unwell or have other special circumstances, you may be able to arrange with SAT to take part by telephone or video.
What to prepare
- The notice from SAT and a copy of the decision or document you are challenging
- Any contracts, letters, reports or records that relate to your matter, arranged in date order
- A short, clear written summary of what happened and the outcome you are seeking
- Names of any witnesses and copies of documents you intend to rely on
- Your availability for future dates, including any dates you cannot attend
- Details of any lawyer, support person or interpreter who will assist you
When to get legal advice
This page gives general legal information, not legal advice. SAT covers more than 150 Acts and the rules and time limits differ greatly between matter types, so it is wise to get advice tailored to your situation - especially for guardianship or administration applications, professional disciplinary or licensing matters, discrimination complaints, or planning, building and commercial disputes where money, your livelihood or another person's welfare is at stake. Mediation is confidential and the way you frame your position can affect the result, so speaking with an admitted Australian lawyer before a directions hearing or mediation can help. Legal Hotline is a free service that can give you legal information any time and, if you want advice on your own matter, can book you a fixed-fee consultation with an admitted Australian lawyer.
Where it is
Level 6, State Administrative Tribunal Building, 565 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000 (postal: GPO Box U1991, Perth WA 6845; phone (08) 9219 3111 or 1300 306 017). The building is in central Perth on Hay Street and is reachable by Transperth train and bus services into the CBD; allow extra time to find the right level and to clear building entry before your listing time, and check your notice in case your matter is listed for attendance by telephone or video.
Frequently asked questions
What is the State Administrative Tribunal?
SAT is Western Australia's independent "super tribunal," established in 2005 by amalgamating nearly 50 separate boards and tribunals. It reviews government and administrative decisions and resolves disputes across many areas, drawing its powers from over 150 different Acts of Parliament.
Is SAT a court?
No. SAT is a tribunal, not a court, and it runs less formally. The strict rules of evidence do not apply, it actively encourages mediation and conferences, and it aims to reach the correct or preferable decision on the merits of each matter.
Do I need a lawyer at SAT?
Not necessarily - SAT is designed so that people can represent themselves, and many do. However, because SAT covers a huge range of laws and the stakes can be high, getting legal advice tailored to your matter can help, particularly before a directions hearing or mediation.
What happens at a directions hearing?
A directions hearing is not the final hearing. A SAT member or judge identifies the real issues in dispute and decides the quickest, most cost-effective way forward. The matter may then be sent to mediation or a compulsory conference, listed for a final hearing, decided on the documents, or set down for further directions.
How long after I apply will my first hearing be?
SAT sends written notice of the time, date and place of a first directions hearing, which is usually held about three weeks after an application is lodged. Some matters, such as certain guardianship and administration applications, may go straight to a final hearing, so check your notice.
What is mediation at SAT and is it confidential?
Mediation is a confidential process where the parties try to reach agreement. With limited exceptions, what is said in mediation cannot later be used at a hearing, and if the matter does not settle the mediator does not usually go on to hear the case. Check your notice for the time set aside for your mediation.
Can I attend SAT by phone or video?
Most hearings are held at the SAT offices in Perth. If you live outside the metropolitan area, are unwell or have other special circumstances, you may be able to arrange to take part by telephone or video. Check your notice from SAT and contact the registry early if you would like to ask for this.
Where is SAT located and how do I contact it?
SAT is at Level 6, State Administrative Tribunal Building, 565 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000 (postal: GPO Box U1991, Perth WA 6845). You can call (08) 9219 3111 or 1300 306 017, or use the contact details on the official SAT website.