Administrative Appeals Tribunal registrar Sian Leathem’s term was due to end in April.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
An AAT spokeswoman confirmed this and that the tribunal’s president,Justice David Thomas,was on leave until the end of the year.
Justice Susan Kenny is acting as the president of the tribunal while Justice Thomas is on leave.
A spokesman for Attorney-General Michaelia Cash said this arrangement would be in place “for at least the remainder of the 2021 calendar year”.
Loading
“The government is confident that the AAT will be able to continue to operate effectively while Justice Thomas is on leave and a suitable replacement is found for Ms Leathem,” Senator Cash’s spokesman said.
The tribunal reviews government decisions across areas including migration,social services,taxation and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
It has faced scrutiny this year over the amount of work done by members. Labor has also accused the government of stacking the tribunal with Coalition-linked appointees.