Conduct Guide for AAT Members
Core Values:
Independence
Impartiality
Integrity
Purposes:
To set out principles of appropriate conduct and professional behaviour to guide AAT members in
their professional duties and in their private conduct as it affects those duties; and
To provide a reference point for AAT members’ adherence to our three core values and to aid
accountability.
Context:
This Guide is to be read in association with
Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act (1975) and Regulations
and the obligations of members under them. It applies to all members, whether full time or part time.
The Guide is not exhaustive and does not prescribe conduct for every possible situation. Rather, this
Guide informs members of principles for appropriate conduct and behaviour, to assist members in dealing
with specific situations as they arise in their professional and personal lives.
This Guide builds upon the broader framework of guidelines for decision-makers in Australia, notably the
Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration ‘Guide to Judicial Conduct’ and the Administrative Review
Council ‘Guide to Standards of Conduct for Tribunal Members’, which both provide a useful commentary
on the relevant principles of conduct, as well as the Conduct Guide for Members of the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal.
It is intended that this guide complements the AAT’s Oath of Office and the Tribunal’s Professional
Development Program and Framework of Competencies which refer to the knowledge, skills and personal
qualities necessary to the performance of members’ duties and obligations with respect to accountability
and transparency. These initiatives all recognise that the AAT is accountable to the community for the
provision of reviews that are fair, just, economical, informal and quick, proportionate to the importance
and complexity of the matter, and promote public trust and confidence in the decision-making of the
Tribunal.
AAT Members Conduct Guide
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22 May 2015
Public Duties
Independence
1. Members should act independently and free from external influence.
Integrity and Fairness
2. Members should act with integrity and honesty.
3. Members should conduct proceedings fairly, including giving each party a reasonable opportunity
to put their case.
Impartiality
4. Members should act impartially so that their actions are not biased and do not give rise to an
apprehension of bias.
5. In addition to the obligations imposed by section 14 of the
Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act
1975, members should disclose any personal, financial or business interests, memberships or
associations related to any AAT proceeding and where appropriate disqualify themselves from any
involvement in that proceeding.
Respect for the Law
6. Members should demonstrate respect for, and carry out their responsibilities in accordance with
the law.
Respect for People
7. Members should treat parties, witnesses, representatives, Tribunal staff and officials with
courtesy, respect and dignity and demonstrate respect for diversity. It is recognised however that
members may be required to act and speak firmly in order to preserve the dignity and integrity of
a hearing.
Diligence, Efficiency and Professionalism
8. Members should be diligent, efficient and professional in the performance of their responsibilities.
9. Members should take reasonable steps to maintain and enhance their knowledge, skills and
professional competencies necessary for the performance of their duties.
Private Conduct
Integrity
1. Members should not take advantage of or benefit from information not generally available to the
public which is obtained in the performance of their Tribunal responsibilities.
2. Members should be diligent in the appropriate use and application of Tribunal resources.
3. Members should not use their membership of the AAT to improperly influence any person.
4. Members should conduct their private interests so as to avoid situations which would bring the
AAT into disrepute.
Impartiality
5. Members should avoid any activities, interests or associations which may undermine public
confidence in the impartial performance of their Tribunal responsibilities.
6. Members should not accept gifts or hospitality which could reasonably be perceived to
compromise a member’s impartiality.
Respect for the Law
7. Members should demonstrate a respect for the law in their private lives.
AAT Members Conduct Guide
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22 May 2015