Appealing an NDIS Decision to the ART
NDIS appeal to the ART tribunal: the Administrative Review Tribunal replaced the AAT. When you can appeal, how it works, and the support available to you.
If you've been through an internal review and you still disagree with the NDIA's decision, you have a further right: to appeal to an independent tribunal. That tribunal is now the Administrative Review Tribunal, or ART, which replaced the former AAT. This guide explains when you can appeal, how the ART works, and where to get help — because you don't have to do it alone.
What the ART is
You must do an internal review first
When and how to apply
What the process looks like
Support and advocacy available
Preparing your case
Frequently asked questions
What is the ART and did it replace the AAT?
The Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) is an independent tribunal that reviews government decisions, including NDIA decisions. It replaced the former Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). If you see older information mentioning the AAT for NDIS appeals, the ART now performs that role.
Can I appeal an NDIS decision straight to the ART?
No. You must complete an internal review (a Section 100 review, where a different NDIA delegate reconsiders the decision) before you can appeal to the ART. If you haven't done an internal review yet, that's your first step, not the tribunal.
Does it cost money to appeal to the ART?
For NDIS matters, there's no application fee to bring an appeal to the ART. There's also free support available — disability advocates, funded appeals support programs, and legal aid or community legal centres may be able to help you through the process.
What happens after I apply to the ART?
The ART typically moves through case conferences and conciliation — informal attempts to resolve the matter — before a hearing, if it's still unresolved. Many appeals settle before a hearing. The NDIA may make a settlement offer along the way, which you can accept, negotiate or reject.