ATTORNEY-GENERAL TO PUSH FOR HARMONISATION
The Attorney-General and Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock today said that harmonisation of administrative law will be put on the agenda at the next meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General.
The concept of harmonisation of administrative law across jurisdictions has considerable merit and will also assist constituents, Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said today.
"It can bring great benefit to individuals - and to corporations - that are often faced with a perplexing array of legislation across borders," Mr Ruddock said.
"The practical effect of these differences is that the ability of residents of different jurisdictions and businesses operating across jurisdictional borders to seek review of government action varies significantly.
"There is considerable scope for harmonising existing procedures across jurisdictions, for example by implementing a consistent approach to the availability of alternative dispute resolution and mediation," Philip Ruddock said.
Other areas that would benefit from the harmonisation of administrative law include:
• rules of standing;
• exemptions to application fees;
• the right to obtain reasons for decisions; and
• the level of assistance provided to unrepresented applicants.
"This continues the Government's commitment to harmonising Australia's often overlapping and inconsistent Commonwealth, State and Territory laws," Mr Ruddock said.