An Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) submission is a critical document that forms the foundation of an applicant’s appeal against a decision made by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The quality, structure, and evidentiary strength of the submission significantly influence the Tribunal’s ability to properly assess the merits of the review.

Accordingly, applicants must ensure that their submission comprehensively addresses the relevant issues, complies with legislative requirements, and provides sufficient supporting material. The following outlines the essential components that must be included in a well- prepared ART submission.

1. Applicant Identification and Procedural Details

An ART submission must clearly identify the applicant and the decision under review. This section should include:

• The applicant’s full name, date of birth, and contact details;
• The visa subclass or matter under review;
• The DHA’s file number and any associated reference numbers;
• The ART case number;
• A brief statement identifying the decision being challenged and the date it was

Providing accurate identification information ensures procedural clarity and allows the ART to easily reconcile the submission with the case file.

2. Factual Background and Chronology of Events

The submission must contain a coherent, accurate, and chronological account of the relevant facts. This section typically outlines:

• Key events leading up to the visa application or decision;
• Relevant communications with the DHA;
• The applicant’s personal, professional, or family circumstances;
• Any events or developments occurring after the primary decision that may influence the

A clear factual background assists the ART in understanding the context of the case and the circumstances that underpin the grounds of review.

3. Grounds for Review

The core of an ART submission consists of the grounds upon which the applicant asserts that the DHA’s decision was incorrect or unreasonable. Grounds may include:

• Errors of fact, including misunderstandings or incorrect assessments of evidence;
• Errors of law, such as failure to apply the correct statutory criteria;
• Procedural unfairness, including failure to consider relevant information or improper reliance on irrelevant factors;
• Misapplication of policy or guidelines;
• Failure to exercise discretion

It is essential that the grounds be articulated with precision and supported by clear references to legislation, policy, or factual evidence.

4. Legal Submissions and Statutory Framework

A persuasive ART submission incorporates legal analysis that demonstrates how the applicant satisfies the legislative and regulatory requirements. This typically involves:

• Identifying the relevant statutory provisions and migration regulations;
• Referencing applicable case law or ART precedents;
• Explaining how the evidence aligns with the legal criteria;
• Highlighting any misapplication of policy by the DHA

This section provides the ART with a structured legal argument and assists in evaluating the application on its merits.

5. Supporting Evidence and Documentary Material

Evidence is a central component of any ART review. Applicants must include all relevant supporting documents, such as:

• Identity documents and personal records;
• Employ mentor financial evidence;
• Medical, psychological, or expert reports;
• Relationship evidence (where applicable);
• Statutory declarations or witness statements;
• Copies of all documents previously submitted to the DHA;
• New evidence that have not been considered at the primary decision-making

All evidence should be clearly labelled, organised, and cross-referenced within the submission to ensure ease of review.

6. Primary Decision Record and Relevant Correspondence

The submission should annex all material relevant to the history of the application, including:

• The DHA’s original decision record;
• Any Requests for Further Information (RFIs) and responses;
• The applicant’s initial visa application and supporting documents;
• Any correspondence or notices issued by the

Inclusion of these documents allows the ART to consider the full evidentiary and procedural history.

7. Applicant’s Position and Requested Outcome

Finally, the submission must clearly state the remedy sought. This typically involves requesting that the ART:

• Set aside the DHA’s decision and substitute a favourable outcome; or
• Remit the matter to the Department with directions to reconsider; or
• Provide any other appropriate remedy within the ART’s

The position statement should summarise the applicant’s key arguments and the basis upon which the requested outcome is justified.

An effective ART submission is structured, evidence-based, and legally sound. It should present a comprehensive factual narrative, clearly articulated grounds of review, relevant legal analysis, and robust supporting evidence. By ensuring that these essential components are addressed, applicants enhance the ART’s ability to conduct a fair and thorough review of the matter and significantly improve the prospects of a favourable outcome.