The Department of Justice has begun a review of the Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013 to determine whether the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) is working as it should and has called for public comment.
The review will also consider if there are any reforms that can be made to strengthen access to justice for people in NSW.
The Department has invited interested individuals and organisations to give their feedback about the effectiveness of NCAT and to suggest ideas that promoted increased access to justice.
“Submissions can be made on any issue relating to the operation of NCAT, however there are specific questions to consider,” the Department said.
“These might include: Is it easy or difficult for people to work out whether NCAT is the right body to resolve their legal issue? Is NCAT accessible and responsive to its users’ needs? Are there things that NCAT could do to make it easier for people appearing in the tribunal to understand the process and participate?”
It said that also of relevance was whether NCAT resolved legal disputes quickly, cheaply and fairly; should NCAT resolve some matters just by looking at the documents submitted by the parties, without a hearing in person?; and does NCAT need additional powers to be able to enforce its decisions?
The Department has published a 2-page fact sheet relating to the review which can be accessed at this PS News link.
Submissions to the review close on 10 July and details on how to make a submission is available from this PS News link.
