South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

In reply to the Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO ().10 April 2024).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): I have been advised:

The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) receives approximately 8,500 guardianship and administration applications annually and about 22,500 applications in total annually. On average, cases are being listed for hearing between 21 and 28 days from the provision of application and supporting documents.

While I am not able to comment on specific matters before SACAT, I can advise that there are several factors which may contribute to matters being listed beyond that time frame, including principles of procedural fairness that require the sharing of documents prior to the hearing. Some delays may be caused by applications being lodged without supporting evidence, delays in the provision of documents to SACAT, or the provision of very high volumes of documents. Additionally, matters with complex or contested procedural issues may require preliminary hearings before the full hearing is listed. SACAT does not have a backlog of cases in any area of the tribunal. It is not otherwise appropriate for SACAT or myself to comment on a matter that is before the tribunal.