House of Representatives

Explanatory Memorandum

(Circulated by the authority of the Attorney-General, the Honourable Daryl Williams AM QC MP)

Schedule 4 - Amendment of Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977

Items 1-5, 67-70

The amendments made by these items are consequential on both the Federal Court and the Federal Magistrates Court having jurisdiction under this Act.

Items 6-14

The amendments made by these items give the Federal Magistrates Court concurrent jurisdiction with the Federal Court under this Act, except for decisions made under portfolio legislation of the Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, where the Federal Court will retain exclusive jurisdiction under this Act.

Item 15-66

The amendments made by these items give the Federal Magistrates Court the same powers as the Federal Court in dealing with applications made under this Act.

Item 71

This clause provides that any Regulations made under subsection 19(1) have effect as if they include a reference to the Federal Magistrates Court.