Today marks the first anniversary of the commencement of the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) which amalgamated the jurisdictions of nine previous Boards and Tribunals.
The establishment of TASCAT was a significant milestone in the history of Tasmania’s justice system, and it has been effective in improving access to justice for all Tasmanians.
TASCAT provides greater consistency in decision making, promoting alternative dispute resolution and enabling seamless service delivery to a diverse range of clients.
Its creation was the culmination of considerable work spanning two decades to improve access to justice and administrative decision-making.
Highlights of TASCAT’s first year of operation include:
- the successful opening of the TASCAT with the unveiling of the new website, new forms/materials and provision of transition information to the public and stakeholders;
- the implementation of new protocols and reporting systems such as internal Key Performance Indicator reporting, a new complaints management system and policy, a Service Charter, and Code of Conduct for members of the TASCAT;
- state of the art facilities allowing hearings to be convened remotely during the pandemic and providing appropriate services to the broad range of clients who attend;
- the appointment of new members with a broad and diverse range of expertise including lawyers, psychiatrists and planning experts, and the appointment of a Division Head of the General Division and Deputy President Richard Grueber;
- the formation of a consultative forum comprising 19 members to date, which has met twice in the year allowing the TASCAT to consult and seek feedback regarding performance, practice and procedure; and
- having conducted over 3200 hearings and 3100 case management and alternative dispute resolution conferences across Tasmania during its first 12 months.
The success of the model is already evident and work is underway to expand the jurisdiction of TASCAT to include other types of matters and disputes.
I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the President, members and staff on all they have achieved in their first year of operating, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to further enhance the administration of justice for all Tasmanians.
