Document 1 - Page 1 of 2
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Friday, 10 June 2022 2:28 PM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
APP ACTION - LSB: URGENT: Attention AAT President and the Attorney-General [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Attachments:
Re: 2019/5857 - RE Hill and National Disability Insurance Agency - Direction/Order
[SEC=OFFICIAL: Sensitive, ACCESS=Personal-Privacy] [SEC=OFFICIAL].eml; Re: 2019/5857 - RE
Hill and National Disability Insurance Agency - Request for short extension [SPARKE-
MATT_FID5227097].eml; 277gpp8rlrkifomd-2019_5857-20220610-14aqna.pdf
Categories:
App Action
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
X
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
Reply by COS
Action area
LSB
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
ND
Departmental Liaison Officer Office of the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC, MP
Attorney‐General
Cabinet Secretary
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Friday, 10 June 2022 12:15 PM
To: Canberra Registry <xxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>; feedback <xxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Attorney Correspondence
<xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Cc: Peter Hill <xxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx>; Mia Donald <xxx.xxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx.xx>; National Disability Insurance
Agency <xxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxx.xxx.xx>; The Hon. Mr. Shorten MP <xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: URGENT: Attention AAT President and the Attorney‐General
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open
attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear President and Attorney-General
I write in relation to recent correspondence and Direction attached.
Twice previously (see attached emails), we indicated that the Direction issued today (see attached PDF) is
unnecessary; the material described has already been received, acknowledged and included in discussion in
a recent submission to the Tribunal.
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Document 1 - Page 2 of 2
The material described in the Direction is not material that the Applicant has requested since having
received the information previously.
Has the Tribunal received our previous emails (attached)? Their contents seem to have been ignored. Should we not
bother writing?
We are also confused about who we are in contact with in the Tribunal. We note the recent correspondence and
Directions were from Senior Member Damien O’Donovan and Mr S. Webb, Member, while we have correspondence
from James H, Tania L, Liam T and Contact Officers Silu T and Ashleigh B.
‐‐
Bob Buckley Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available at
https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, the elders past and present of lands in Australia. Sovereignty was
never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
2
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Page 2 of 59
Document 2 - Page 1 of 2
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Monday, 27 June 2022 1:08 PM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
APP ACTION - LSB: Your email to the Australian Government [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Attachments:
MC22-003791.pdf; 20220527-AG.eml
Categories:
s 22(1)
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
X
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
Reply by COS
Action area
LSB
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
ND
Departmental Liaison Officer Office of the Hon Mark Dreyfus QC, MP
Attorney‐General
Cabinet Secretary
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Monday, 27 June 2022 10:53 AM
To: Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Cc: xxxxx.xxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx; xxx.xxxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx
Subject: Fwd: Your email to the Australian Government [SEC=OFFICIAL]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open
attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Attorney‐General
The attached response from Ms Yeend of DSS does not address the issue raised in the email that prompted it (see
attached email). Please provide a response to the issue raised, that "the former Minister's (for the NDIS) staff
claimed that the AAT operates outside the law".
Surely, this is a legal question. It is not an issue for staff in DSS.
Bob Buckley Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
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Document 2 - Page 2 of 2
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available at
https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, the elders past and present of lands in Australia. Sovereignty was
never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Subject: Your email to the Australian Government [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date: 27 Jun 2022 10:23:27 +1000
From: xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
To: xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
SEC=OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Our Reference: MC22‐003791
Thank you for your correspondence of 27 May 2022 to the Australian Government.
Please find attached a reply to your letter.
Yours sincerely
Government and Executive Services Branch
Department of Social Services
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL AS THIS ADDRESS IS NOT MONITORED
SEC=OFFICIAL
2
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Page 4 of 59
Document 3 - Page 1 of 4
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Tuesday, 1 November 2022 11:02 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
FW: Dept Reply - CTB - NDIA withholding information - cannot be trusted [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Attachments:
FOI 22.23-0015 - Decision - Document.xlsx
Categories:
Departmental Replies
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
x
Reply by COS
Action area
CTB
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
HL
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Tuesday, 1 November 2022 10:06 AM
To: The Hon. Mr. Shorten MP <xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Cc: Porter, Olivia <xxxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>; xxx.xxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx; Peter Hill <xxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx>
Subject: NDIA withholding information ‐ cannot be trusted
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear The Hon Bill Shorten MP and The Hon M. Dreyfus MP
I received the email below (I am a volunteer advocate working with Mr Matthew Hill and his Informal Supports). The
email contains the claim that "while Matthew’s AAT application remains active, I am unable to provide any comment
on the planning decisions or funding in question". More recently, an emails said, "Greg has affirmed that
unfortunately, due to the AAT application in process, he is unable to answer the questions, especially if they are
relating to the AAT submission ‐ this is out of his hands and not something he has control of (coming from higher
delegates)."
The information requested of the NDIA is the detailed use of Matthew's NDIS Plan funds; specifically, what amounts
of money have been spent from which parts of recent his recent NDIS Plans. We do not know whether the funding
used from an NDIS Plan initiated under Section 42 of the AAT Act relate to Matthew's AAT submission: we doubt it.
1
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Document 3 - Page 2 of 4
I doubt that it is legal for the NDIA to withhold this information, the detailed charges against a participant's NDIS
Plan, from an NDIS participant who is requesting the information.
Previously, we raised this issue and were denied the data for spurious reasons. Eventually (23/8/2022), the NDIA's
FOI section provided the attached data (FOI 22/23‐0015) to Mr Hill. We question whether the current AAT matter
has any bearing on the NDIA providing the data requested. As best we can tell, that issue was previously resolved in
favour of providing information like that we asked for.
Further, refusing to provide it is contrary to the NDIS's claims to wanting to be more transparent. Frankly, conduct
like this annihilates the NDIA's claims of wanting to build trust.
Surely, the claim that an NDIS participant cannot be told what funding is being spent in his name for 3 or more years
while the NDIA drags out the AAT process is unacceptable. Not to mention the risk that some robodebt‐esque
scheme will pop up to persecute NDIS participants at any stage and they will have been denied the information
required to defend themselves.
While the data provided previous may list the various payments made, it fails to indicate which of Matthew's various
NDIS Plans the individual items relate to or which part of the plan the expense comes from.
The NDIA needs to do much better than this. For starters, the NDIA needs to obey the law.
Bob Buckley Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available at
https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, the elders past, present and emerging of lands in Australia.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Subject: RE: Matthew Hill planning meeting [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date: Fri, 7 Oct 2022 00:02:42 +0000
From: Rodgers, Greg <xxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>
To: Peter Hill <xxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx>
CC: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx <xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>, Allison Hill
<xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>, Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Good morning Peter
As you can appreciate, while Matthew’s AAT application remains active, I am unable to provide any comment on the
planning decisions or funding in question.
To ensure procedural fairness, I will remain available to support Matthew with his current plan and provide any
further information you require.
I acknowledge the time absorbed by this matter and your experience with the NDIA has not met your expectations.
2
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Document 3 - Page 3 of 4
As part of my role, I will continue to work with George to ensure Matthew’s current funding and supports are
utilised to their greatest effectiveness and your experience with the NDIA improves.
I believe it is important we remain open with our communications and welcome any opportunity to schedule a time
to meet with you, Allison and George for regular check ins.
As always, if you require anything further, please contact me directly.
Regards
Greg Rodgers Senior Planner
Complex Support Needs Branch
National Disability Insurance Agency T 1800 800 110
E xxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection
to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and
emerging.
From: Peter Hill <xxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx>
Sent: Friday, 30 September 2022 11:57 AM
To: Rodgers, Greg <xxxx.xxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx; Allison Hill <xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor)
<xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Matthew Hill planning meeting
Dear Greg,
I have noted that you have not answered one single question. A response I would expect from a senior government
minister.
In order to prepare for this “meeting” it would be useful to have answers to the questions.
Given past experience with dealing with the NDIS and a protracted AAT case I prefer to have a written record of
questions asked and the responses for the following reasons.
1. The last planning meeting we had was in 2019 at that meeting the Planner completely ignored our
request for additional behavioural support and transport funding. This was done despite Matthew’s centre
based program being cut due to behavioural issues and concerns over the amount driving he needed which
at that stage was 150km per day in a modified car and us providing a modified car solely for the support staff
to use.
2. On the 19/7/2019 a request was sent to Lauren Donoghue to change Matthew’s goals. The NDIS ignored
their legal requirement to change Matthew's goals and issue a new plan within 7 days. Fixing his goals as
requested should be the very first thing to be done.
3. In order to discuss planning we need a good understanding of Matthew's plan utilisation. It would be
good to get a report of how his recent plans have been used.
3
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Page 7 of 59
Document 3 - Page 4 of 4
4. Matthew has a support team of which George Kranitis is our Support Coordinator and it would be far
more useful for you to note down your questions and email them to us. That way I can provide a far more
considered answers, taking in the team’s view and what is best for Matthew.
5. I am quite time poor and I find it difficult to justify a random meeting especially when you appear to be
unwilling to answer some basic question. Currently I find it even difficult to attend our monthly support
meeting.
If this email seems a little abrupt I make no apologies. Over the last 3 years we have endured bullying and delaying
tactics by the NDIS and their legal team and I am somewhat sceptical what you are able to do considering Matthew's
case still needs to be resolved.
In your defence George does speak highly of your and I do hope that is the case. Perhaps a good start would be to
answer the question unlike a typical senior government minister.
Kind regards
Peter
********************************************************************** IMPORTANT: This e‐mail is for
the use of the intended recipient only and may contain information that is confidential, commercially valuable
and/or subject to legal or parliamentary privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that any
review, re‐transmission, disclosure, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this
information is prohibited and may result in severe penalties. If you have received this e‐mail in error please notify
the sender immediately and delete all electronic and hard copies of this transmission together with any
attachments. Please consider the environment before printing this e‐mail
**********************************************************************
4
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Page 8 of 59
Document 4 - Page 1 of 2
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Wednesday, 16 November 2022 9:51 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
FW: App Action CTB - improper use of so-called Independent Assessors in AAT reviews for
autistic NDIS participants [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Attachments:
AEB1-07-2016RobertsWilliamsreport.pdf
Categories:
App Action
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
x
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
Reply by COS
Action area
CTB
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
HL
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Wednesday, 16 November 2022 9:44 AM
To: The Hon. Mr. Shorten MP <xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Cc: Jean Cotchin <xxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>; Ross Joyce <xxxx.xxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>; Jenny Karavolos
<xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx>; xxx.xxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx; Wright, Matthew <xxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>;
Swainson, Matthew <xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>; Rick Morton <xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>; Dan
Jervis‐Bardy <dan.jervis‐xxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: improper use of so‐called Independent Assessors in AAT reviews for autistic NDIS participants
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear The Hon Bill Shorten MP and the Hon Mr Dreyfuss MP,
I write to highlight and protest against the NDIA's complete contempt for Ministerial oversight in relation to the
decision by the previous NDIS Minister and the relevant state/territory Ministers who decided that the NDIA so‐
called Independent Assessments would not go ahead. See:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021‐07‐09/ndis‐disability‐independent‐assessments‐model‐dead‐after‐
meeting/100277324
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/reynolds‐scraps‐independent‐assessments‐in‐ndis‐after‐state‐
revolt‐20210709‐p588e1.html
1
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Page 9 of 59
Document 4 - Page 2 of 2
Despite this commitment to the disability sector from
all relevant Ministers, the NDIA routinely requires many
autistic participants who ask the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to review a NDIA decision to be subject to a so‐
called Independent Assessment. And the Tribunal allows, effectively requires, this practice.
The primary purpose of these so‐called Independent Assessments appears to be at best to delay matters in the AAT.
In my experience, few of these "assessments" are ever presented as evidence at hearing. Those that make it that far
are usually worthless as evidence for all the reasons that the Ministers originally decided to not proceed with the
scheme ‐ basically, the experts cannot make an adequate assessment with the limited knowledge of and contact
with a particular NDIS participant.
Currently, numerous NDIS‐related matters in the AAT are being delayed because the Agency's small pool of so‐called
Independent Assessors cannot keep up with their work‐load from the NDIS.
The practice is contrary to advice about autism published in a report* for the NDIA that:
Early intervention or support should start as soon as a diagnosis is made and the family are ready.
This means that autistic children should not be denied "early intervention or support", or have their supports
limited/restricted by insufficient funding, while the NDIA drags out proceedings in the AAT for extended periods.
Please try to eliminate immediately this practice that is detrimental for many young autistic NDIS participants.
* Robert & Williams (2016), Autism spectrum disorder: Evidence‐based/evidence‐informed good practice for
supports provided to preschool children, their families and carers, see attached.
‐‐
Bob Buckley Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available at
https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, the elders past, present and emerging of lands in Australia.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
2
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 10 of 59
Document 5 - Page 1 of 2
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Tuesday, 22 November 2022 7:47 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
FW: DSS FOI LEX 45598 - Decision [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Attachments:
Attachment A - Review Rights.pdf; FOI LEX 45598 - Decision and Statement of Reasons.pdf
Categories:
Referrals
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
DSS
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
Reply by COS
Action area
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
HL
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Monday, 21 November 2022 9:33 PM
To: xxxxxx.xxxxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx; Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Cc: The Hon. Mr. Shorten MP <xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Jenny Karavolos <xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: Fwd: DSS FOI LEX 45598 ‐ Decision [SEC=OFFICIAL]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Minister Rishworth and Attorney-General
It is very difficult to believe in open government or the claimed co‐design process when we encounter barriers like
this.
I protest in the strongest possible terms about secrecy for the alleged co‐design process for National early childhood
program for children with disability or developmental concerns (NECP). It is inappropriate to deny the DRO
representing the biggest cohort of children affected by an NECP access to such information. An NECP developed
through such a process is very unlikely to be acceptable. This is an unacceptable use of tax‐payers money.
This is further evidence of our unanswered claim that the government is engaged in a war on autism ‐ see
Government agency accused of being 'at war with those it should be supporting' as appeals against NDIS
cuts spike
Dear PM ‐ the Government's war on autistic Australians
1
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Page 11 of 59
Document 5 - Page 2 of 2
Coalition government’s ongoing war on autistic Australians
Bob Buckley Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available at
https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, the elders past, present and emerging of lands in Australia.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Subject: DSS FOI LEX 45598 ‐ Decision [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2022 06:17:25 +0000
From: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
To: 'xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx' <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
CC: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Dear Mr Buckley,
FOI LEX 45598 – Decision Please find
attached the decision in response to your Freedom of Information request received by the Department
of Social Services (
the Department) on 21 September 2022.
As outlined in the decision, I have decided to grant full access to the document. However, the third party objects to
its release.
The Department is not able to release the document to you until the third party has either exhausted their review
rights or it becomes apparent they do not propose to exercise their right to seek review.
As a matter of courtesy, we will keep you updated on the third party’s review process.
For your reference, we also
attach a document providing information in relation to your review rights.
Kind Regards,
DSS FOI Team
Freedom of Information section
Legal Services Branch
Department of Social Services
E: xxx@xxx.xxx.xx
The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their
continuing connection to land, water and community.
We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.
2
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Page 12 of 59
Document 6 - Page 1 of 3
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Tuesday, 22 November 2022 11:30 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
Treasury - Your question to ASIC: 1-51992053870 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Categories:
Referrals
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Treasury
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
Reply by COS
Action area
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
HL
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Tuesday, 22 November 2022 11:26 AM
To: Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Cc: Ross Joyce <xxxx.xxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Fwd: Your question to ASIC: 1‐51992053870
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open
attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear The Hon. Mr Dreyfuss MP
I have tried multiple times to contact ASIC without success. Their telephone line always says they are
experiencing peak inquiries and hangs up. This is not effective communication.
It tried using the other approaches they suggest with the result seen below.
I notice that the message that came ironically from the email xxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx says that I cannot connect
that way.
The email claims it has communicated via an email xxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx ‐ however my organisation has no
knowledge of this email. Sending the same message again and expecting a different outcome does little for the
government's reputation.
Please note, that this company registration exists so that government can fund us to help the government though
systemic advocacy, advice about supporting autistic people and with policy development. If the Government does
not want to fund us, then just say so; this conduct is unnecessary.
1
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Page 13 of 59
Document 6 - Page 2 of 3
If someone from ASIC want to talk to me, my mobile number is 0418677288.
Bob Buckley Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available at
https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, the elders past, present and emerging of lands in Australia.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Subject: Re: Your question to ASIC: 1‐51992053870
Date: Tue, 22 Nov 2022 10:46:55 +1100
From: xxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
To: xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Please do not reply to this email as it is an unattended mailbox. Please ask us a question by
contacting us at www.asic.gov.au/question
Enquiry Number: 1-51992053870
Dear Robert Buckley
AUTISM ASPERGERS ADVOCACY AUSTRALIA LIMITED
A.C.N. 623 372 047
Thanks for your enquiry
We can confirm your annual review statement for 2021 was issued on 12 December 2021 to your online
company officeholder portal that you have registered.
You received two months notice for the due date as well as two late fee notices before we then sent the
overdue reminder to your officeholder physical address.
The other fees on the account are all late fees in relation to late lodgement of form 484's where
officeholders were ceased or appointed.
As all notices were sent to you with notice, and it is your obligation as an officeholder to know your review
date and ensure payment is made, the fees remain payable and we recommend making payment as soon
as possible to avoid a deregistration which will soon take place.
We have reissued an invoice with payment details to xxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx, this should arrive within 24
hours.
Please take a moment to complete a short survey on the effectiveness of this email.
2
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 14 of 59
Document 6 - Page 3 of 3
Kind regards,
Joey
Customer Service Officer
Australian Securities & Investments Commission
Ph: 1300 300 630
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COMPANY DIRECTORS* Company directors are now required to apply for a director identification number (director ID). The
Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS), which is part of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), is
responsible for delivering the director ID initiative.
It is a criminal offence if directors do not apply on time and penalties may apply. Find out how you can
apply for a director ID on the ABRS website at abrs.gov.au/DirectorID.
This is general information only and does not constitute advice from the Australian Securities and
Investments Commission (ASIC) for your unique circumstances. You should consider seeking independent
legal, financial, taxation or other advice.
Please consider the environment before printing this document.
Information collected by ASIC may contain personal information. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for
information about how we handle your personal information, your rights to seek access to and correct
your personal information, and how to complain about breaches of your privacy by ASIC.
This e-mail and any attachments are intended for the addressee(s) only and may be confidential. They may
contain legally privileged, copyright material or personal and /or confidential information. You should not
read, copy, use or disclose the content without authorisation. If you have received this email in error,
please notify the sender as soon as possible, delete the email and destroy any copies. This notice should
not be removed.
3
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Page 15 of 59
Document 7 - Page 1 of 2
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Tuesday, 22 November 2022 12:32 PM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
Treasury - ASIC and fixing our company address/information [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Categories:
Referrals
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
treasury
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
Reply by COS
Action area
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
HL
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Tuesday, 22 November 2022 12:31 PM
To: Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Subject: ASIC and fixing our company address/information
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open
attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear The Hon Mr Dreyfuss MP
I have been trying to sort out some company information on the ASIC website. Sadly, it seems I have not
been successful.
I am the Convenor of
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4), a Disability Representative Organisation
for autism listed on the DSS DRO web page. Our organisation has existed since 2022. We nave not had a
bank account until several government agencies wanted to pay us for our systemic advocacy work. We have
been advised that we needed to become a company limited by guarantee and register with ASIC so that
have an ACN and can be paid. This has been a nightmare primarily because we do not have a physical
location, the ASIC website is extremely difficult to use, and ASIC cannot be contacted.
For a while, a friendly organisation allowed us to use their address to satisfy ASIC, but that arrangement is
no longer in place.
Our organisation has email addresses and a post office box but no physical location. It seems that ASIC
cannot cope with this.
My only thought was I could direct ASIC communications to us via your office, and your staff could redirect
mail to our mail box (which is PO Box 4016, Ainslie ACT 2602), until ASIC can accept either our Post Office
1
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 16 of 59
Document 7 - Page 2 of 2
Box address, or an email address for correspondence. However, it seems this option may not have worked
either. Further the ASIC online system requires me to say you have agree to this arrangement in writing,
when that is not (and may never be) the case.
As I have indicated before, ASIC cannot be contacted to sort this out: they don't seem to have a workable
email and their phone line just hangs up. Email communication (see below) does not work. ASIC cannot be
contacted effectively.
Please can you do something to sort out this mess?
‐‐
Bob Buckley Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available at
https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, the elders past, present and emerging of lands in Australia.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
2
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 17 of 59
Document 8 - Page 1 of 2
From:
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
To:
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Subject:
Reply to correspondence received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Wednesday, 30 November 2022 3:50:55 PM
Attachments:
MC22-024471.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
SEC=OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Please find attached reply to your correspondence that was received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet
Secretary.
The response is provided in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). If you do not have software
capable of reading PDF documents, you may download a free version from http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Please do not respond to this email as this mailbox is not monitored. If you wish to provide further
correspondence to the Attorney-General, please use the below details.
Email
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Postal Address
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP
Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Yours sincerely
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Attorney-General’s Department
SEC=OFFICIAL
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 18 of 59
Document 8 - Page 2 of 2
MC22-024471
30 November 2022
Mr Bob Buckley
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Dear Mr Buckley
Thank you for your email of 1 November 2022 to the Attorney-General,
the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, regarding concerns about your dealings with the
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The Attorney-General has requested that
the Attorney-General’s Department (the department) respond to you on his behalf.
The department is working with the NDIA on alleged non-compliance with its model
litigant obligations under the
Legal Services Directions 2017 (the Directions).
The department takes its oversight function in relation to the Directions seriously.
This function is managed by the Office of Legal Services Coordination (OLSC) within
the department. OLSC’s approach to its compliance function is set out in the
Compliance Framework.
OLSC will continue to work with the NDIA to support its compliance with the
Directions.
Thank you again for bringing your concerns to the Government's attention. I trust this
information is of assistance to you.
Yours sincerely
A Bekkema
Principal Legal Officer
Courts and Tribunals Branch
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 19 of 59
Document 9 - Page 1 of 2
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Monday, 19 December 2022 11:44 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Cc:
Attorney Correspondence
Subject:
FW: please provide Applicants with access to evidence in the AAT [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Categories:
s 22(1) Departmental Replies
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
X
Reply by COS
Action area
CTB
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
ND
Departmental Liaison Officer Office of the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP
Attorney‐General
Cabinet Secretary
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Friday, 16 December 2022 6:34 PM
To: Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Subject: please provide Applicants with access to evidence in the AAT
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open
attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Attorney‐General
your action today to reform the Administrative Appeals Tribunal is extremely welcome. As a Disability
Representative Organisation,
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) often sees demonstrated how spectacularly
dysfunction the current Tribunal is. The
Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 says:
2A Tribunal’s objective
1
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Document 9 - Page 2 of 2
In carrying out its functions, the Tribunal must pursue the objective of providing a
mechanism of review that:
(a) is accessible; and
(b) is fair, just, economical, informal and quick; and
(c) is proportionate to the importance and complexity of the matter; and
(d) promotes public trust and confidence in the decision‐making of the Tribunal.
Currently, the Tribunal fails in all of these for NDIS participants who try to use its decision review process.
For example, the Tribunal fails to make essential evidence in an Applicant's case available to the Applicant ... which
means the Tribunal is
inaccessible as a mechanism of review. Applicants are denied the recordings or videos of
hearings that are essential evidence for inexperienced Applicants. The best an Applicant can hope for is to pay
thousands of dollars for a transcript, but that is something few NDIS participants can afford. Clearly, the AAT is not
"economic". Very few can afford a lawyer ‐ and most lawyer lack the knowledge needed to present a case for an
autistic child anyway.
In my experience, the Tribunal treats non‐lawyers extremely unfairly. They are denied due process. They are often
misinformed or denied essential information about the process. They are routinely prevented from providing
evidence and making their case.
Tribunal processes are kept remarkably formal. There is little observable informality.
Autistic children seeking reviews of decisions about early intervention endure review processes that take a year of
more. A two‐year old whose (relatively quick) case takes a year will have spent 1/3 of its life in the Tribunal. That is
not "quick". They say, "justice delayed is justice denied", which is especially true for autistic children who are denied
their essential early intervention by Australia's Injustice System in this way.
This is not a just system. This completely fails to "promotes public trust and confidence".
One of the first steps you could make to reform the Tribunal would be to ensure Applicants in NDIS matters can at
least get a sound or video record of their hearings so they can review evidence and prepare submissions. It is a very
simple step with very little cost. The risk of external scrutiny of conduct in the Tribunal could immediately improve
some of the Tribunal's and the Respondent's unacceptable conduct.
‐‐
Bob Buckley Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available at
https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, the elders past, present and emerging of lands in Australia.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
2
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Page 21 of 59
Document 10 - Page 1 of 2
From:
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
To:
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Subject:
Reply to correspondence received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Wednesday, 4 January 2023 11:47:36 AM
Attachments:
MC22-026467.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
SEC=OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Please find attached reply to your correspondence that was received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet
Secretary.
The response is provided in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). If you do not have software
capable of reading PDF documents, you may download a free version from http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Please do not respond to this email as this mailbox is not monitored. If you wish to provide further
correspondence to the Attorney-General, please use the below details.
Email
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Postal Address
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP
Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Yours sincerely
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Attorney-General’s Department
SEC=OFFICIAL
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 22 of 59
Document 10 - Page 2 of 2
MC22-026467
4 January 2023
Mr Bob Buckley
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Dear Mr Buckley
Thank you for your email of 16 December 2022 to the Attorney-General,
the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, regarding your concerns around the operation of the
Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The Attorney-General has requested that the
Attorney-General’s Department respond to you on his behalf.
As you have noted, the Government is reforming Australia’s system of administrative review.
This reform will abolish the AAT and replace it with a new federal administrative review
body. The reform process will be informed by an Expert Advisory Group chaired by former
High Court Justice the Hon Patrick Keane AC KC. The Government will consult with
stakeholders on the design of the new body.
I acknowledge your concerns regarding the operation of the AAT and appreciate your
suggestions about improvements that can be made for NDIS participants. Your views will be
considered as part of the reform work.
Thank you again for bringing your concerns to the Government's attention.
Yours sincerely
A Bekkema
Principal Legal Officer
Merits Review Taskforce
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 23 of 59
Document 11 - Page 1 of 3
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Tuesday, 31 January 2023 10:19 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
FW: Info - CTB - Notice of decision re FOI request - B Buckley - 2022/0256 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Categories:
s 22(1)
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
x
Refer to NSH
App. Action
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
Reply by COS
Action area
CTB
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
HL
OFFICIAL
From: xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Tuesday, 31 January 2023 9:39 AM
To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>; Bill Shorten <xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Contact us NDIS
Review <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Re: Notice of decision re FOI request ‐ B Buckley ‐ 2022/0256
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Loga R
Please can I confirm that the FoI result you provided shows:
1. although Ms Kate Lynch wrote to A4 on the 16/3/2018 that "the Tribunal is commencing a project to review
our procedures and current NDIS Practice Direction", the AAT did nothing about this until 4/2/2022 (almost
4 years later) ‐ see Document No. 1 in the document bundle.
2. A4 wrote to the AAT (14/3/2018, see http://a4.org.au/node/1669) indicating concern over the delay and
time tasken with "the AAT review process [denying] young autistic children much of their opportunity for
early intervention". The subsequent correspondence with Ms Lynch (16/3/2018, see
https://a4.org.au/node/1670) indicates that the AAT would consider the issues A4 raised. However neither
the subject nor the urgency of the issue affected the AAT's urgency in progressing its review ‐ the opposite
seems to have happened.
3. the AAT's records of correspondence that can be seen at https://a4.org.au/node/2089 and
https://a4.org.au/node/2496 have been lost
4. the review was not completed; it did not even get to the stage of external consultation (even though an
October 2022 date was set for the start of external consultation).
1
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Page 24 of 59
Document 11 - Page 2 of 3
5. even though Ms Lynch wrote that A4's contact details were included there was no further use made of A4's
contact details.
Bob Buckley
Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: http://a4.org.au/
A4 is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is
internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate in and contribute to A4's advocacy.
Politicians and bureaucrats are subject to A4's policy on unanswered questions: see http://a4.org.au/node/1419.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
On 30/1/23 4:07 pm, FOI wrote:
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Please find attached FOI decision, Schedule of documents and Released documents –
Bundle 1, pertaining to your requests lodged on 1 and 5 December 2022.
Because the released documents exceed the size limit of the attachments for an email,
bundle 2 is sent in a subsequent email (email 2).
If you have any questions, please contact us at xxx@xxx.xxx.xx.
Regards,
Loga
Loga R
Legal & Policy Officer
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Principal Registry, Sydney
Legal & Policy
T: 02 9276 5507
E: xxx@xxx.xxx.xx
From: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Wednesday, 14 December 2022 2:59 PM
To: xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Subject: Acknowledgement of FOI ‐ B Buckley ‐ 2022/0256 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Please find attached a letter acknowledging your request for access to documents under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act)
.
Please note that we have requested a response from you pertaining to an extension under
s. 15AA of the FOI Act.
If you have any questions please contact me at xxx@xxx.xxx.xx
Sincerely,
2
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Page 25 of 59
Document 11 - Page 3 of 3
Marta Mallisioras
Policy Officer
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Principal Registry, Melbourne
Legal & Policy
www.aat.gov.au
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of
country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and
community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and elders past and present.
IMPORTANT:
Please refer to the AAT website for information about temporary changes in place to respond to the impact of
COVID-19 on services, including special measures practice directions: http://www.aat.gov.au/impact-of-
coronavirus-covid-19-on-our-services
This message and any attachments may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If the message
was sent to you by mistake, please delete all copies and notify the AAT by return email. Any review,
retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the intended
recipient is prohibited and may attract criminal penalties.
3
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Page 26 of 59
Document 12 - Page 1 of 3
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Thursday, 23 March 2023 7:51 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
FW: App Action - LAB -legal aid refused to vulnerable autistic child [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Attachments:
8246552_000.pdf
Categories:
s 22(1)
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
x
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
Reply by COS
Action area
LAB
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
HL
s 22(1)
Detective a/Superintendent ‐ Australian Federal Police (AFP)
Law Enforcement Liaison Officer | AFP DLO
Office of the Attorney‐General
T: s 47E(d)
| M: s 47E(d)
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Wednesday, 22 March 2023 5:56 PM
To: The Hon. Mr. Shorten MP <xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Cc: Rachel Cain <xxxx.xx@xxxxxxx.xxx>
Subject: legal aid refused to vulnerable autistic child
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open
attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Ministers
the attached refusal from Legal Aid NSW is alarming. The letter says their refusal "is because you have been
made an offer to resolve your matter which we consider is a reasonable resolution to your case".
The reason Legal Aid NSW decided to refuse this extremely vulnerable child and her family legal aid is not
adequately explained.
1. it does not explain why Legal Aid NSW says the Respondent's offer "is a reasonable resolution" and
prefers the inexpert decisions of NDIS Planners and internal reviewers who have not the the Applicant in
1
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Page 27 of 59
Document 12 - Page 2 of 3
this matter, and who have no discernible expertise in the Applicant's very rare disability type over advice
from fully qualified and experienced clinicians who know Ms Sheehy and her disability on an individual basis;
2. previously, the key elements in dispute were agreed in settlements between the parties before the AAT,
hence clearly met the legislative requirement for the
NDIS Act 2013, those same item that are not included
in the "offer to resolve" the matter. Why does this aspect of the matter alone not provide "reasonable
prospects of an improved outcome at hearing"? The written reasons given do not include an assessment of
whether the case is likely to succeed. Key aspects of the matter have been resolved in the Applicant's favour
previously: how are those not a precedent?
3. the response does not articulate "what harm or loss [the Applicant] would suffer if we don’t" provide legal
aid.
4. in discussion, Legal Aid NSW made it clear that their decision was substantially affected by their attitude to
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). However, they did not seem to understand that EIBI (or ABA) is the only
early intervention that is regarded as "evidence‐based" for autistic children, such as Ms Sheehy. Clearly,
Legal Aid NSW has decided not to support autistic children with their requests for evidence‐based early
intervention. Their judgement/expectation is that Australia's legal system will not rule to provide autistic
children with evidence‐based early intervention despite provisions in the
NDIS Act 2013.
We understand that the High Court of Australia has indicated previously that Tribunals like the AAT should not be
the "contest of experts" that the NDIA seeks to bring to it in this instance. But the review process for the NDIS
expects vulnerable families to navigate the most complex aspects of a legal process without legal support and
against the strongest legal defence that the NDIA and the government can muster.
In this instance, the NDIA had a clear tactic of delaying ant decision from the Tribunal until after Ms Sheehy entered
school, denying her proper preparation for starting school. Now she is of school age, the NDIA claims that her
essential disability support are the school's responsibility even though the school is not resources and skilled to
meet many of her need. They have succeeded in avoiding funding much of the early intervention that she needs. But
they have no idea of the cost and consequence for that action.
The NDIA has now been called to a directions hearing as it has further delayed; the AAT says "the Respondent is
currently non‐compliant" having failed to deliver its Hearing Certificate and Statement of Facts, Issues and
Contentions on time.
The Applicant, one of Australia's most vulnerable children, is the subject of what I regard as repeated and frequent
bureaucratic neglect and legal abuse. The NDIS repeatedly makes massive cuts to Ms Sheehy's NDIS Plan. The latest
cut was just 5 months after the previous "settlement", and the AAT process with it's consequent ongoing dilution of
services and supports, started with the latest NDIS Plan back in May 2022. She has missed out on crucial supports
for an extensive period, a significant part of her life so far.
Legal Aid NSW informed us that their guidelines for taking cases such as this were set, at least in part, by the federal
Department of Social Security (DSS). DSS is also responsible for the operation of the NDIS. I am deeply disappointed
to learn of this very clear and serious conflict of interest.
Please ensure MS Sheehy get the legal support she need for this matter to proceed fairly.
Bob Buckley Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available at
https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, elders past, present and emerging, of lands in Australia.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
2
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Page 28 of 59
Document 12 - Page 3 of 3
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxx.xxx.xxx.xx
Date: 22 March 2023 at 8:22:55 am AEDT
To: xxxx.xx@xxxxxxx.xxx
Subject: Application for legal aid refused ‐ GRACIE SHEEHY 23G015293
Please see attached letter from Legal Aid NSW
(If you are a legal practitioner receiving this client letter on behalf of the client you can only access
this letter in your Grants Online inbox at
https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Felodge.legalaid.nsw.gov.au%
2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cb688fbb02c95426da0f308db2a525b8c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaa
aaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638150305753472767%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAw
MDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GHryIQ4gx
xwqUjWuSRuHzUP8rRRDPzJ9jSV75WJiMDM%3D&reserved=0)
DISCLAIMER: This email message, including any attachments, is intended for the individual or entity
to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is confidential, privileged and/or exempt
from disclosure under applicable law. If you have received this email in error you must not disclose
or use the information in it. Please delete the email and any copies and notify the sender.
Confidentiality or privilege are not waived or lost by reason of the mistaken delivery to you. Views
expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of
Legal Aid NSW. Legal Aid NSW accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of this
email or attachments and recommends that the recipient check this email and any attached files for
the presence of viruses.
3
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Page 29 of 59
Document 13 - Page 1 of 2
From:
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
To:
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Subject:
Reply to correspondence received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Wednesday, 5 April 2023 5:30:53 PM
Attachments:
MC23-005315.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
SEC=OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Please find attached reply to your correspondence that was received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet
Secretary.
The response is provided in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). If you do not have software
capable of reading PDF documents, you may download a free version from http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Please do not respond to this email as this mailbox is not monitored. If you wish to provide further
correspondence to the Attorney-General, please use the below details.
Email
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Postal Address
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP
Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Yours sincerely
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Attorney-General’s Department
SEC=OFFICIAL
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 30 of 59
Document 13 - Page 2 of 2
MC23-005315
5 April 2023
Mr Bob Buckley
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Dear Mr Buckley
Thank you for your email to the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP,
of 22 March 2023, regarding Legal Aid NSW’s refusal to provide a grant of legal aid to
support Miss Sheehy. I have been asked to respond to you on the Attorney-General’s
behalf.
The Attorney-General’s Department cannot intervene in, or influence, individual
decisions made by a legal aid commission. As independent statutory bodies, legal aid
commissions retain the autonomy to determine eligibility criteria for their legal services
and the extent of assistance they provide in individual cases.
If Miss Sheehy and her family are of the view that Legal Aid NSW has erroneously
refused her application for a grant of aid, they can seek to have this decision
reconsidered and reviewed. Details on this process can be found at:
https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/get-legal-help/applying-for-legal-aid/appealing-a-legal-
aid-nsw-decision.
If all avenues for appeal have been exhausted with Legal Aid NSW, Miss Sheehy may be
able to get help from her local community legal centre. Community legal centres are not-
for-profit, community-based organisations that provide legal advice, casework and
information to local communities. They have the discretion to determine the extent of
assistance they will provide in individual cases. To locate the nearest community legal
centre, please visit: https://clcs.org.au/legal-help/.
Thank you again for bringing your concerns to the Government's attention. I trust this
information is of assistance to you.
Yours sincerely
M Freyne
Director
Legal Assistance Branch
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 31 of 59
Document 14 - Page 1 of 4
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Monday, 10 July 2023 9:23 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
FW: Notice of decision re FOI request - B Buckley - 2022/0256 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Categories:
s 22(1)
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
x
Refer to NSH
App. Action
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
Reply by COS
Action area
ART
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
JVL
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Co‐convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Saturday, 8 July 2023 12:19 PM
To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx>; xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx
Cc: Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>; Bill Shorten <xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Contact us NDIS
Review <xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Re: Notice of decision re FOI request ‐ B Buckley ‐ 2022/0256 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Mx R
how is "shortly" going?
Bob Buckley Co‐convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available at
https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, elders past, present and emerging, of lands in Australia.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
1
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 32 of 59
Document 14 - Page 2 of 4
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
On 31/01/2023 3:20 pm, FOI wrote:
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Thanks for your email.
We are looking into it and will get back to you shortly.
Regards,
Loga
Loga R
Legal & Policy Officer
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Principal Registry, Sydney
Legal & Policy
T: 02 9276 5507
E: xxx@xxx.xxx.xx
www.aat.gov.au
From: xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Tuesday, 31 January 2023 9:39 AM
To: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx; Bill Shorten <xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Contact us NDIS Review
<xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Re: Notice of decision re FOI request ‐ B Buckley ‐ 2022/0256
EXTERNAL EMAIL
"Do not click any links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender, are expecting this
email and know the content is safe.”
Dear Loga R
Please can I confirm that the FoI result you provided shows:
1. although Ms Kate Lynch wrote to A4 on the 16/3/2018 that "the Tribunal is commencing a
project to review our procedures and current NDIS Practice Direction", the AAT did nothing
about this until 4/2/2022 (almost 4 years later) ‐ see Document No. 1 in the document
bundle.
2. A4 wrote to the AAT (14/3/2018, see http://a4.org.au/node/1669) indicating concern over
the delay and time tasken with "the AAT review process [denying] young autistic children
much of their opportunity for early intervention". The subsequent correspondence with Ms
Lynch (16/3/2018, see https://a4.org.au/node/1670) indicates that the AAT would consider
the issues A4 raised. However neither the subject nor the urgency of the issue affected the
AAT's urgency in progressing its review ‐ the opposite seems to have happened.
3. the AAT's records of correspondence that can be seen at https://a4.org.au/node/2089 and
https://a4.org.au/node/2496 have been lost
4. the review was not completed; it did not even get to the stage of external consultation
(even though an October 2022 date was set for the start of external consultation).
2
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 33 of 59
Document 14 - Page 3 of 4
5. even though Ms Lynch wrote that A4's contact details were included there was no further
use made of A4's contact details.
Bob Buckley
Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: http://a4.org.au/
A4 is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic people, their families, carers and
associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate in and contribute to
A4's advocacy.
Politicians and bureaucrats are subject to A4's policy on unanswered questions: see http://a4.org.au/node/1419.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The
Newsroom.
On 30/1/23 4:07 pm, FOI wrote:
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Please find attached FOI decision, Schedule of documents and Released
documents – Bundle 1, pertaining to your requests lodged on 1 and 5
December 2022.
Because the released documents exceed the size limit of the attachments for
an email, bundle 2 is sent in a subsequent email (email 2).
If you have any questions, please contact us at xxx@xxx.xxx.xx.
Regards,
Loga
Loga R
Legal & Policy Officer
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Principal Registry, Sydney
Legal & Policy
T: 02 9276 5507
E: xxx@xxx.xxx.xx
From: FOI <xxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Wednesday, 14 December 2022 2:59 PM
To: xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Subject: Acknowledgement of FOI ‐ B Buckley ‐ 2022/0256 [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Please find attached a letter acknowledging your request for access to
documents under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act)
.
Please note that we have requested a response from you pertaining to an
extension under s. 15AA of the FOI Act.
3
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 34 of 59
Document 14 - Page 4 of 4
If you have any questions please contact me at xxx@xxx.xxx.xx
Sincerely,
Marta Mallisioras
Policy Officer
Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Principal Registry, Melbourne
Legal & Policy
www.aat.gov.au
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal acknowledges the traditional owners and
custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing
connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people,
the cultures and elders past and present.
IMPORTANT:
Please refer to the AAT website for information about temporary changes in place to respond
to the impact of COVID-19 on services, including special measures practice directions:
http://www.aat.gov.au/impact-of-coronavirus-covid-19-on-our-services
This message and any attachments may contain confidential or legally privileged information.
If the message was sent to you by mistake, please delete all copies and notify the AAT by
return email. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information by
persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may attract criminal
penalties.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of
country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and
community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and elders past and present.
IMPORTANT:
Please refer to the AAT website for information about temporary changes in place to respond to the impact of
COVID-19 on services, including special measures practice directions: http://www.aat.gov.au/impact-of-
coronavirus-covid-19-on-our-services
This message and any attachments may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If the message
was sent to you by mistake, please delete all copies and notify the AAT by return email. Any review,
retransmission, dissemination or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the intended
recipient is prohibited and may attract criminal penalties.
4
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 35 of 59
Document 15 - Page 1 of 7
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Wednesday, 23 August 2023 8:52 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
FW: Fwd: AAT, NDIS and more
Categories:
Referrals
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
DSS
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
Reply by COS
Action area
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
HL
From: Bob Buckley ‐ A4 Co‐convenor <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 August 2023 7:36 AM
To: xxxxxx.xxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx; The Hon. Mr. Shorten MP <xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Attorney Correspondence
<xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>; xxxxxxx.xxxx.xxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx; Senator Jordon Steele‐John <senator.steele‐
xxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>; Hughes, Hollie (Senator) <xxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx>
Cc: McKenzie, Corri <xxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Re: Fwd: AAT, NDIS and more
Dear all
I have not received a single response the the email below.
Bob Buckley
Co‐convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: http://a4.org.au/
A4 is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is
internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate in and contribute to A4's advocacy for autistic people,
their carers and allies.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, elders past, present and emerging, of lands in Australia.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
Recipients of correspondence from A4, especially politicians and government officials, are all subject to A4's policy on unanswered questions: see
http://a4.org.au/node/1419.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
On 10/8/23 2:49 pm, Bob Buckley (Co‐convenor) wrote:
1
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 36 of 59
Document 15 - Page 2 of 7
BTW, please be aware that these issues below have become substantially worse under the
latest government.
Bob Buckley Co‐convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation
advocating for autistic people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that
Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions is available
at https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, elders past, present and emerging, of lands in
Australia. Sovereignty was never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The
Newsroom.
On 10/08/2023 1:27 pm, Bob Buckley (Co‐convenor) wrote:
Dear Mr White
Please read the email below and call me to discuss today or tomorrow ‐ on
0418677288. I can come into Parliament House to meet if that suits you.
Please note that I am aware of another autistic child in a similar situation. There are
substantial problems with the AAT process for autistic children over early
intervention and the NDIS. Immediate change is needed.
‐‐
Bob Buckley Co‐convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots
organisation advocating for autistic people, their families, carers and associates. A4
is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered
questions is available at https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, elders past, present and
emerging, of lands in Australia. Sovereignty was never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will
McEvoy in The Newsroom.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Subject: Re: AAT ‐ RKYH and NDIA (2023/1027) and much more
Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2023 12:18:40 +1000
From: Bob Buckley (Co‐convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Organisation: Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
2
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 37 of 59
Document 15 - Page 3 of 7
To: Falkingham, Rebecca <xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>, McKenzie, Corri
<xxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>
CC: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx <xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxx.xxx>, Jeremiah, Gavin
<xxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>, Sharon Taylor <xxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx>, Victoria Ginnane
<xxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx.xx>, Basava Salini Atluri <xxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxx.xxx>
Dear Rebecca and Corri
It's about time that your legal section acknowledged my concerns, the
concerns of the people I'm helping and the general concerns of the autism
sector about funding for crucial early intervention for autistic children while
their support needs are disregarded through extended AAT processes.
I really do not appreciate the letter I received from Gavin Jeremiah below. He
attached 6 emails from Ms Sharon Taylor, your legal representative who is
handling this matter. Since he included these emails, I will comment on them
below.
1. The first email on 13/4/2023 invites Ms Yang to "let us know whether
you believe Isaac will require additional interim funds in his current plan
whilst the Tribunal application remains on foot".
2. Ms Taylor's email on the 16/6/2023 apparently reiterates that Ms Yang
should seek a s48(1) reassessment (review). This may now be appropriate
since the AAT process changed substantially on 1 July 2022, the impact of
those changes has been far from clear to me (and many in the disability,
from what I understand). When Ms Yang investigated this option, she was
told it was not possible.
The email refers to an offer made on 8/6/2023 ‐ clearly that offer met the
NDIA's requirement for s34(1) of the NDIS Act 2013.
Also note that in her email (at the bottom), Ms Yang indicated that not only
would her son miss out on essential supports due to a lack of funding, he
would also experience substantial detriment due to interruption to his early
intervention stopping.
3. Ms Taylor's email to me on 21/6/2023 says "as advised" ... where was that
advised? And "a s42D remittal is not appropriate at this stage as there is still
sufficient funding in the Applicant’s plan". Justification for a s42D has
nothing to do with how much funding remains. It's about delivering partial
agreement, so the NDIA could have implemented the offer of 8/6/2023
while the rest of the matter was reviewed by then Tribunal. It is my
understanding that was a purpose of s42D of the AAT Act. I still regard s42D
as an appropriate option in such circumstances ‐ the Respondent has not
yet provided contrary argument.
Clearly there was not enough funding remaining in RKYH's plan as it did run
out.
The spectacularly brief answer to my question about s48, mentioning s47A
and s103 was not helpful at the time. Neither Ms Yang nor myself have any
legal training or expertise. I am not aware that the NDIA has done anything
to help advocates like me to understand the changes; nor do I recall these
changes being discussed with the sector during their drafting and
introduction. And clearly, many NDIA staff were equally uninformed since
they gave Ms Yang conflicting information.
I now understand that it is a viable alternative; I presume that the NDIA
feels that it is the preferred alternative because it is possible under
legislative changes. But that does not seem like a good argument to me.
I always feel it is safer to conduct discussion with lawyers on the record.
3
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 38 of 59
Document 15 - Page 4 of 7
4. Ms Taylor's email to Ms Yang, also 21/6/2023, again suggests Ms Yang to
request a s48(1) review. Ms Yang points out that the Respondent failed to
provide the information requested, and again the information request is
ignored. Ms Taylor "encourages" Ms Yang again "to lodge a request for a
plan reassessment or a plan variation with the Agency" ‐ she suggests that
Ms Yang should do the same thing and expect a different outcome: that is
quite disrespectful. For this to work, the Respondent needs to take action to
ensure that process is open to Ms Yang. We disagree with the Respondent's
selective interpretation of
Kupara and National Disability Insurance Agency
[2022] AATA 3091 (16 September 2022). The Respondent's response ignore
that its offer of a s42C remittal shows clearly that the Statement of Supports
in the Applicant's NDIS Plan is seriously deficient; and the NDIS's intent is to
maintain (persist with) that deficiency.
5. Ms Taylor's email to Ms Yang 26/6/2023 advises her "about the best
method of obtaining interim funding" but fails again to recognise that NDIA
representatives who are part of that process denied her that request. It also
says "the third case conference is listed on 10 August 2023" when it should
have been apparent that that date was not achievable as the IME report
would not be available in time.
6. Ms Yang's email 2/8/2023 advised the Respondent that , as anticipates (and
ignored repeatedly by the Respondent), "I have completely depleted my
NDIS funding". Ms Taylor's email to Ms Yang 2/8/2023 in response says that
"the most appropriate method to obtain interim funding is to lodge a plan
reassessment or a plan variation with the Agency while the AAT application
is on foot". We understand that "the most appropriate" may not be "the
best", "the only" or even "a possible" method. This is the first time that the
Respondent has mentioned that the changes to the
NDIS Act 2013 as on 1
July 2022 made a significant difference, something the NDIA officials Ms
Yang contacted about a plan reassessment were unaware of. The "method"
is not possible when key NDIA officials involved in the process would not
lodge the request.
We have now received the IME report and are considering what it says. There is a
further delay and RYKH's funding has been exhausted while the process drags on.
If you have any doubts about the confusion over s24D, S48 and s100 etc. please
note that on 6/6/2023, Ms Victoria Ginnane, Senior Associate at Moray & Agnew
(the same firm as Ms Taylor is from) acting on behalf of the NDIA, wrote to Mr
Johhny Le of Legal Services Commission South Australia, acting for DRXK in the AAT
(who withdrew when ADR failed), "If an alternate decision is made under section
100 of the NDIS Act, a new AAT application will be required as the Tribunal doesn’t
have jurisdiction to consider the outcome of any section 100 review in the current
proceedings". I expect this would also be true of an alternate decision made under
s48(1) of the
NDIS Act 2013. Advice from your own legal representatives is
inconsistent.
The s42D process is also under a cloud. The AAT recently asked me for a submission
on the impact of
Klewer v NDIS FCA 630 in a matter now awaiting the Tribunal's
decision. Frankly this is way beyond my already non‐existent legal training and
expertise.
I note that the IME has repeatedly advised that many autistic children including
RKYH and DRXK need substantially more intensive early intervention than is
currently in their plans. The NDIA does not even accept and act on the advice of its
own so‐called "Independent Medical Expert" until compelled to do so.
4
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 39 of 59
Document 15 - Page 5 of 7
I ask again, please can you ensure this is fixed ASAP?
Bob Buckley Co‐convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots
organisation advocating for autistic people, their families, carers and associates. A4
is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered
questions is available at https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, elders past, present and
emerging, of lands in Australia. Sovereignty was never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will
McEvoy in The Newsroom.
On 9/08/2023 2:15 pm, Jeremiah, Gavin wrote:
Dear Mr Buckley,
Cc: Ms Crystal Yang
Thank you for your email.
The Agency acknowledges your concerns about the options to
obtain interim funding.
The Agency’s representative, Sharon Taylor, had written to Ms Yang
on numerous occasions (attached), to explain that an s42D is not an
appropriate option, and to request an s47A plan variation and s48
plan reassessment if funding was due to be exhausted prior to the
scheduled review date.
Ms Yang contacted Isaac’s ECEI Coordinator to request an s48 plan
reassessment. The AAT Branch advised the ECEI Coordinator that a
plan reassessment can be requested whilst there is an active AAT
application on foot. Isaac’s ECEI Coordinator has lodged the s48
plan reassessment request and escalated the request to a Delegate
of the CEO for a decision.
This request will progress through our National Delivery Team, and
Isaac’s ECEI Coordinator will contact Ms Yang again in due course
when a decision is made.
Kind regards,
Gavin Jeremiah
Assistant Director
AAT Case Management Branch
National Disability Insurance Agency
E: xxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
5
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 40 of 59
Document 15 - Page 6 of 7
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and
emerging.
From: Bob Buckley (Co‐convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Friday, August 4, 2023 4:41 PM
To: Falkingham, Rebecca <xxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>;
McKenzie, Corri <xxxxx.xxxxxxxx@xxxx.xxx.xx>
Subject: young child's plan has run out ...
Dear Rebecca and Corri
Please see the attached emails. Ms Yang's RKYH is now out of
funding.
The Agency and it's representative have provided conflicting
information ... and giving her the run around. She has asked
repeatedly for the situation to be remedied but no one does
anything.
I do not believe that it is appropriate for Ms Yang to ask for a
plan review. That will cause a total nightmare in the AAT. This
must be addressed via s42D of the AAT Act (even though that
also seems now to be a legal nightmare since
Klewer v NDIA
[2023] FCA 630).
Please can you ensure this is fixed ASAP?
‐‐
Bob Buckley Co‐convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national
grassroots organisation advocating for autistic people, their
families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that
Australians anywhere can participate.
Note for politicians and bureaucrats –
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy
on unanswered questions is available at https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, elders past,
present and emerging, of lands in Australia. Sovereignty was never
ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.”
Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
*******************************************************
*************** IMPORTANT: This e‐mail is for the use of the
intended recipient only and may contain information that is
confidential, commercially valuable and/or subject to legal or
parliamentary privilege. If you are not the intended recipient you
are notified that any review, re‐transmission, disclosure,
dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance
upon, this information is prohibited and may result in severe
penalties. If you have received this e‐mail in error please notify the
sender immediately and delete all electronic and hard copies of this
6
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Page 41 of 59
Document 15 - Page 7 of 7
transmission together with any attachments. Please consider the
environment before printing this e‐mail
*******************************************************
***************
7
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Page 42 of 59
Document 16 - Page 1 of 2
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Thursday, 31 August 2023 3:09 PM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Subject:
FW: AAT review risks incomplete, unsatisfactory, and unacceptable outcome [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Categories:
Departmental Replies
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
X
Reply by COS
Action area
CTB
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
HL
OFFICIAL
From: Bob Buckley (Co‐convenor) <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Sent: Thursday, 31 August 2023 2:53 PM
To: Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Cc: The Hon. Mr. Shorten MP <xxxx.xxxxxxx.xx@xxx.xxx.xx>; AAT Reform Enquiries
<xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Subject: AAT review risks incomplete, unsatisfactory, and unacceptable outcome
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open
attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
To whom it may concern,
in recent years, I tried to help over 40 autistic NDIS participants, mostly young children and their families,
with their NDIS matters in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). I am not a lawyer so I have little or
no knowledge of how Australia's legal system in meant to work. My increasing experience of disability-
related matters in Australia's legal systems* is that Australia's legal systems are unnecessarily dysfunctional
for people with disability; based on what I've seen, it is quite fair to say that for people with disability,
Australia has currently an Injustice System. While the eventual outcomes show a degree of fairness, the
process for getting there is dysfunctional and traumatising.
I have been particularly concerned about the operation of the AAT in relation young autistic children who
need evidence-based early intervention for their autism. I have repeatedly asked the AAT to review their
practice. They have repeatedly promised me they would. They promised that they would contact me as part
of their review. Either they have not done a review, or they failed to contact me when doing it.
I understand that the Government is in the process of reviewing the AAT or designing a replacement.
1
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Page 43 of 59
Document 16 - Page 2 of 2
In my role as Co-converor of
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4), an organisation listed on the DSS
website as a disability representative organisation (DRO), I did not see any notice of consultation on the
government's AAT review. Despite, my experience in AAT matters, I was not invited to engage with the
Government's review or the AAT.
I understand that submissions to the AAT review process are now closed.
From what I can see at this stage, the review fails to address some basic issues, including:
is the AAT capable of deciding properly in matters that are a contest of expert opinion? The answer
is demonstrably and very clearly "no". The review will fail unless it fully addresses this issue.
the AAT's expectation and enforcement of model litigant rules.
the basic inability of the AAT (and perhaps the reviewers) to properly comprehend "Section 2A of the AAT
Act" in relation to people outside the legal profession, especially people with intellectual, communication,
cognitive, and/or psycho‐social disability.
Clearly, the process for reviewing the AAT was not properly consultative; there is substantial risk that the
review outcomes will be incomplete, unsatisfactory, and unacceptable.
Please contact me via email or on 0418 677 288 to discuss these issues further.
* starting with this debacle: https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-
bin/viewdoc/au/cases/act/ACTDT/2007/4.html
‐‐
Bob Buckley Co‐convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia, known as
A4, is the national grassroots organisation advocating for autistic
people, their families, carers and associates. A4 is internet based so that Australians anywhere can participate.
Recipients of correspondence from A4 are all subject to
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia's policy on unanswered questions that is
available at https://a4.org.au/node/1419.
A4 recognises and respects the traditional owners, elders past, present and emerging, of lands in Australia.
Sovereignty was never ceded.
“The first step in solving any problem is recognising there is one.” Jeff Daniels as Will McEvoy in The Newsroom.
2
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Page 44 of 59
Document 17 - Page 1 of 3
From:
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
To:
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Subject:
Reply to correspondence received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Tuesday, 17 October 2023 8:38:06 AM
Attachments:
MC23-029194.pdf
SEC=OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Please find attached reply to your correspondence that was received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet
Secretary.
The response is provided in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). If you do not have software
capable of reading PDF documents, you may download a free version from http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Please do not respond to this email as this mailbox is not monitored. If you wish to provide further
correspondence to the Attorney-General, please use the below details.
Email
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Postal Address
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP
Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Yours sincerely
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Attorney-General’s Department
SEC=OFFICIAL
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links,
or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 45 of 59
Document 17 - Page 2 of 3
OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE
MC23-029194
17 October 2023
Mr Bob Buckley
PO Box 4016
AINSLIE ACT 2602
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Dear Mr Buckley
Thank you for your email of 31 August 2023 to the Attorney-General,
the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, regarding your concerns about the operation of the
Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), and the reform to abolish the AAT and
establish a new federal administrative review body. Your correspondence was referred to
the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, as the matters you raise fall within
his portfolio responsibilities. The Attorney-General has requested that the Attorney-
General’s Department respond to you on his behalf.
The department conducted public consultation on reform to the administrative review
system between 3 April 2023 and 12 May 2023. An Issues Paper was published seeking
views on a wide range of matters relating to the design of the new body, including the
purpose, structure, membership, powers and procedures of the new body.
The government received 120 formal submissions and 287 short survey responses to the
public issues paper. As part of the process, the department met with 147 stakeholders
across 80 events. This included meeting with people with experience as applicants in the
AAT (including conducting a session, facilitated by Your Story Disability Legal
Support, attended by several former applicants with experience in the National Disability
Insurance Scheme Division of the AAT), disability representatives and advocacy groups,
legal assistance providers, relevant peak bodies, legal practitioners and academics.
The issues raised in your correspondence, including legislated objectives of the new
body, conduct requirements for representatives, and what supports and services are
needed to make the new body more accessible, were canvassed during the consultation
process and are being considered by the Government in the development of draft
legislation.
On 29 September the government announced its intention to introduce legislation this
year to establish the new body, to be named the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
The legislation to establish the ART will be informed by the outcomes of public
OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 46 of 59
Document 17 - Page 3 of 3
OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE
consultation undertaken in 2023, and guidance from the Administrative Review Expert
Advisory Group, chaired by former High Court Justice the Hon Patrick Keane AC KC.
Key features of the legislation will include a user-focused design, including simpler and
more consistent application processes, an emphasis on non-adversarial approaches to
resolving applications and safeguards to ensure representatives comply with their
obligations. The ART will also have clear mechanisms to identify, escalate and report on
systemic issues in administrative decision-making.
It is anticipated that the bill to establish the ART will be referred to the Senate Standing
Committee of Legal and Constitutional Affairs for further consideration under Standing
Order 143. Parliamentary committees are usually interested in people’s views and
experiences on the bill itself. If it is referred to the committee, you can share your views
on the bill by writing to the committee or by attending a public hearing.
The Australian Government is committed to restoring trust and confidence in our system
of administrative review. The ART is intended to be user-focused, efficient, accessible,
independent and fair, and will aim to provide an independent mechanism of review that is
accessible and responsive to the diverse needs and experiences of users from all parts of
Australian society.
Thank you again for bringing your concerns to the government's attention. I trust this
information is of assistance to you.
Yours sincerely
C Ng
Director
Administrative Review Taskforce
OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE
2 of 2
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Page 47 of 59
Document 18 - Page 1 of 2
From:
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
To:
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Subject:
Reply to correspondence received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 3:34:29 PM
Attachments:
MC23-028622.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
SEC=OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Please find attached reply to your correspondence that was received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet
Secretary.
The response is provided in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). If you do not have software
capable of reading PDF documents, you may download a free version from http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Please do not respond to this email as this mailbox is not monitored. If you wish to provide further
correspondence to the Attorney-General, please use the below details.
Email
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Postal Address
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP
Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Yours sincerely
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Attorney-General’s Department
SEC=OFFICIAL
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 48 of 59
Document 18 - Page 2 of 2
MC23-028622
24 October 2023
Mr Bob Buckley
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Dear Mr Buckley
Thank you for your correspondence of 23 August 2023 to the Attorney-General and Cabinet
Secretary, The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, relating to matters that are important to you. The
Attorney-General has provided your correspondence to the Attorney-General’s Department
for consideration.
The matters you raise do not fall within the Attorney-General’s portfolio responsibilities so
your correspondence has been referred to the National Disability Insurance Agency for their
information and response as appropriate.
The following link may be used should you wish to follow up this matter directly with the
National Disability Insurance Agency – https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact
We apologise for the delay in responding to your correspondence.
Yours sincerely
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Attorney-General’s Department
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 49 of 59
Document 19 - Page 1 of 2
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney Correspondence
Sent:
Tuesday, 11 June 2024 7:47 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Cc:
Attorney Correspondence
Subject:
FW: Webform submission from: The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP - Contact [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Attachments:
20240608-AG-s42AAT.pdf
Categories:
Departmental Replies
OFFICIAL
AG – RECEIVED
Priority A
Refer to
Priority B
Refer to DSU
Info. Only
Refer to NSH
App. Action
Invitation
Reply by AG
Sub required
Reply by AM
Reply by dept
x
Reply by COS
Action area
CTLB
Reply by Adviser
Allocated by
JT
OFFICIAL
From: Our ministers – Attorney‐General’s portfolio s 47E(d)
@govcms.gov.au>
Sent: Saturday, 8 June 2024 1:20 PM
To: Attorney Correspondence <xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx>
Subject: Webform submission from: The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP − Contact
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open
attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
This is a submission from a member of the public using the contact form on the Our ministers website.
Below are the details they provided:
Submitted on: Sat, 2024‐06‐08 13:20
Submitted by: Bob Buckley
My reason for contacting you is: General enquiry
Contact number: 0418677288
Email: xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
1
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Page 50 of 59
Document 19 - Page 2 of 2
Does the submitter want a response: Yes
Subject of enquiry: protection for AAT s42 agreements with the NDIA
The enquiry: Dear Attorney‐General
Subject: protection for AAT s42 agreements with the NDIA
Increasingly, I see reports that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is conducting early reviews of NDIS
Plans and Statements of Participant Supports (SOPS) that were the result of a s42C agreement reached during a
review before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Typically, these early reviews cut supports that were
previously agreed in the purview of the Tribunal. The reports then go on to say that the AAT refuses to protect the
agreements reached in its jurisdiction.
I write to ask for clarification.
1. Is the NDIA’s practice of early review of SOPS that were agreed under s24C of the AAT Act legal?
2. If it is not legal, what practical action can the affected NDIS participant take to protect the terms of the
agreement? Is there any protection for a s42 agreement with the NDIA?
3. If there is no effective protection, how would it be ethical for a lawyer to advise a client to acce
2
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Page 51 of 59
Document 20 - Page 1 of 2
From:
xxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xx
To:
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Subject:
Reply to correspondence received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Date:
Monday, 8 July 2024 11:54:01 AM
Attachments:
MC24-026291.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
SEC=OFFICIAL
Dear Mr Buckley
Please find attached reply to your correspondence that was received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet
Secretary.
The response is provided in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). If you do not have software
capable of reading PDF documents, you may download a free version from http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Please do not respond to this email as this mailbox is not monitored. If you wish to provide further
correspondence to the Attorney-General, please use the below details.
Email
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Postal Address
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP
Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Yours sincerely
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Attorney-General’s Department
SEC=OFFICIAL
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 52 of 59
Document 20 - Page 2 of 2
MC24-026291
8 July 2024
Mr Bob Buckley
Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Dear Mr Buckley
Thank you for your correspondence of 8 June 2024 to the Attorney-General,
the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, regarding the National Disability Insurance Agency
(NDIA) conducting early reviews of National Disability Insurance Scheme Plans and
Statements of Participant Supports (SOPS). I have been asked to reply on behalf of the
Attorney-General.
You have inquired about the legality of NDIA’s early review of SOPS resulting from an
agreement under section 42C of the
Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975. Please
note that the Attorney-General’s Department cannot provide you with legal advice.
Different legal advice providers operate in all states and territories. Contact details and
information about levels of legal information each service provider offers can be found
on the Attorney-General’s website at www.ag.gov.au/legal-system/legal-assistance-
services.
I acknowledge your concerns regarding the reported conduct of the Administrative Appeals
Tribunal (AAT), as well as the potential conduct of lawyers involved in the types of matters
you describe. Consistent with the independence of the AAT from government, the AAT is
responsible for its own operation and management. The process for providing feedback or
making a complaint in relation to the AAT is outlined in the Service Charter and published on
the AAT’s website. If you are not satisfied with the AAT’s response to your complaint, you
may wish to contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Further information about making a
complaint is located on the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s website.
Thank you again for bringing your concerns to the Attorney-General’s attention. I trust
this information is of assistance to you.
Yours sincerely
C Ng
Director
Administrative Review Taskforce
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 53 of 59
Document 21 - Page 1 of 1
s 22(1)
From:
Attorney-General's Department s 47E(d)
@govcms.gov.au> on behalf of
s 47E(d)
@govcms.gov.au
Sent:
Saturday, 8 March 2025 8:48 AM
To:
External Feedback
Subject:
Webform submission from: Contact us
Attachments:
20250228 Rishworth.pdf
Categories:
Human Rights
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
This is a submission from a member of the public using the contact form on the ag.gov.au website.
Below are the details they provided:
Submitted on: Sat, 2025‐03‐08 08:46
Submitted by: Bob Buckley
My reason for contacting you is: Enquiry
Contact number: 0418677288
Email: xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Does the submitter want a response: Yes
Subject of enquiry: autistic disability excluded from NDIS by its legislation
The enquiry: the letter attached raises concern that "NDIS legislation ... in effect removes autism as a disability from
the NDIS". This serious matter is extremely important risking major negative impact of the lives of many of
Australia's most vulnerable citizens.
I have not had a response from Minister Rishworth. I now bring the issue with you.
I would appreciate an urgent opportunity to discuss this with you.
I can be contacted by email or by phone on 0418 277 288.
M
m
m
1
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Page 54 of 59
Document 22 - Page 1 of 2
s 22(1)
From:
Helpdesk.PDMS s 47E(d)
@dss.gov.au>
Sent:
Thursday, 27 March 2025 11:11 AM
To:
Ministerial Correspondence Unit; Helpdesk.PDMS
Subject:
RE: Mr Bob Buckley [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Categories:
s 22(1)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not follow guidance, click links, or open attachments
unless you recognise the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi s 22(1)
Mr Buckley was emailed a departmental response to his correspondence on 18/3/25 ( our ref MC25‐001987). I’ve
asked line area to resend today as he doesn’t seem to have received it.
Thanks, happy to discuss
s 22(1)
Director Ministerial Coordination Government and Executive Services Branch
Department of Social Services
P: s 47E(d)
E: s 47E(d)
@dss.gov.au
M: s 47E(d)
The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their
continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders
both past and present.
From: Ministerial Correspondence Unit s 47E(d)
@ag.gov.au>
Sent: Thursday, 27 March 2025 10:06 AM
To: Helpdesk.PDMS s 47E(d)
@dss.gov.au>
Subject: Mr Bob Buckley [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Good morning Team!
The Attorney‐General’s Department have received correspondence from Mr Bob Buckley via email:
‘xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx’ re NDIS legislation (please see attached). He is stating that he hasn’t received a response
from Minister Rishworth yet so is bringing the issue to us.
We were wondering if you are/or have prepared a response to Mr Buckley so we can NFA our correspondence?
Kind Regards,
1
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 55 of 59
Document 22 - Page 2 of 2
s 22(1)
Ministerial Administration Officer
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Attorney‐General's Department
OFFICIAL
If you have received this transmission in error please notify us immediately by return e‐mail and delete all copies. If
this e‐mail or any attachments have been sent to you in error, that error does not constitute waiver of any
confidentiality, privilege or copyright in respect of information in the e‐mail or attachments.
2
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 56 of 59
Document 23 - Page 1 of 2
From:
Ministerial Correspondence
Sent:
Wednesday, 2 April 2025 3:28 PM
To:
'xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx'
Subject:
Reply to correspondence received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet Secretary
Attachments:
Correspondence from the Attorney-General's Department.pdf
Good afternoon,
Please find attached reply to your correspondence that was received by the Attorney-General and Cabinet
Secretary.
The response is provided in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). If you do not have software capable of
reading PDF documents, you may download a free version from http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Please do not respond to this email as this mailbox is not monitored. If you wish to provide further
correspondence to the Attorney-General, please use the below details.
Email
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Postal Address
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP
Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Yours sincerely
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Attorney-General’s Department
1 of 1
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 57 of 59
Document 23 - Page 2 of 2
MC25-015878
2 April 2025
Mr Bob Buckley
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
Dear Mr Buckley
Thank you for your correspondence to the Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP.
The Attorney-General has provided your correspondence to the Attorney-General’s
Department for consideration.
The matters you raise do not fall within the Attorney-General’s portfolio responsibilities so
your correspondence has been referred to the Department of Social Services for their
information and response as appropriate.
The following link may be used should you wish to follow up this matter directly at -
www.dss.gov.au/contact/contact-the-department
Yours sincerely
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
Attorney-General’s Department
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 58 of 59
Document 24 - Page 1 of 1
Correspondenc
PDR No
Subject
Initiator(s)
Initiator Email
e date
APP ACTION - Attention to the AAT President and the Attorney-
MC22-017287
General
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
10/06/2022
APP ACTION - Response from DSS does not address issue - former
Minister's (for the NDIS) staff claimed that the AAT operates
MC22-017854
outside the law
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
27/06/2022
MC23-038849
INFO ONLY - Update about your complaint to NDIA
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
28/06/2022
MC22-024471
DEPT REPLY - NDIA withholding information - cannot be trusted
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
1/11/2022
REFERRAL OUT - NDIA - improper use of so-called Independent
MC22-025010
Assessors in AAT reviews for autistic NDIS participants
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
16/11/2022
MC22-025072
REFERRAL OUT - DSS - DSS FOI LEX 45598 - Decision
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
21/11/2022
MC22-025196
REFERRAL OUT - TREASURY - Your question to ASIC: 1-51992053870 BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
22/11/2022
REFERRAL OUT - TREASURY - ASIC and fixing our company
MC22-025195
address/information
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
22/11/2022
DEPT REPLY - Bob Buckley - please provide Applicants with access to
MC22-026467
evidence in the AAT
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
16/12/2022
MC23-038252
INFO ONLY - Notice of decision re FOI request
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
31/01/2023
MC23-002434
INFO ONLY - Notice of decision re FOI request
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
31/01/2023
MC23-005315
DEPT REPLY - legal aid refused to vulnerable autistic child
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
22/03/2023
INFO ONLY - Notice of decision re FOI request - B Buckley -
MC23-023789
2022/0256
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
10/07/2023
INFO ONLY - Notice of decision re FOI request - B Buckley -
MC23-027560
2022/0256
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
21/07/2023
MC23-041100
INFO ONLY - Substantial problems with the AAT
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
10/08/2023
INFO ONLY - RKYH and National Disability Insurance Agency - AAT
MC23-041713
No. 2023/1027
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
15/08/2023
MC23-028622
REFERRAL OUT - NDIA - AAT, NDIS and more
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
23/08/2023
DEPT REPLY - AAT review risks incomplete, unsatisfactory, and
MC23-029146
unacceptable outcome
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
31/08/2023
DEPT REPLY - REFERRAL IN - AAT & NDIS review risks incomplete,
MC23-029194
unsatisfactory, and unacceptable outcome
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
31/08/2023
MC24-026291
DEPT REPLY - protection for AAT s42 agreements with the NDIA
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
8/06/2024
EC25-000709
EXT FBK - autistic disability excluded from NDIS by its legislation
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
8/03/2025
REFERRAL OUT - DSS - NDIS Act 2013 omits autistic impairment
MC25-015878
from its impairment categories
BUCKLEY, Bob
xxxxxxxx@xx.xxx.xx
11/03/2025
FOI25-196 PDMS List
Attorney-General's Department documents released under FOI25/196 - Date of access: 30/07/2025
Page 59 of 59
