Requesting a review of a decision of the registrar

From 2 January 2024, a new process will be in place to request a review of certain decisions made by the registrar.

The decisions that may be reviewed include:

• refusal of an application to register a non-government school
• refusal of an application to vary a non-government school’s registration
• a decision to vary, suspend or cancel a non-government school’s registration
• suspension of a non-government school’s registration.

The process introduces a new internal review that creates a pathway for reviewable decisions to be referred to NTCAT.

Previously, the only way to seek a review was through the minister.

The new process provides greater procedural fairness and ensures natural justice for decisions made under the Act that could negatively affect an applicant or governing body.

To find out more, read sections 156A and 156B of the Education Act 2015.

Who can request a review

• The applicant – for registration or a variation of registration of a non-government school.
• The governing body – for a decision to vary, suspend or cancel the registration of a non-government school.

How to request a review

When requesting a review, the applicant or governing body must:

• apply to the registrar in writing within 28 days of receiving the decision notice
• provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for seeking the review.

After you request

The registrar will direct an assessor who was not involved in the original decision to carry out a review. They will assess the merits of the original decision.

Within a month of completing the review, the assessor will provide a report to the registrar.

The report includes a recommendation to either confirm, vary or set aside the original decision and substitute a different decision.

The registrar will make the final decision and provide it to the applicant or governing body in a written notice.

If you’re still unhappy with the outcome

If you're still unhappy with the outcome of the internal review, you can request a review by NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT).

To find out more, go to the NTCAT website.