At the commencement of our estimates hearing, Sian Leathem, Registrar, delivered an opening statement to share highlights from 2017-18 financial year from our recent annual report. Senators then questioned the Registrar and senior officers about a range of questions relating to our performance and operations.
One of the topics discussed was the AAT’s growing backlog. There are now more cases on hand at the AAT than ever before, largely due to increased lodgements in the Migration and Refugee Division at a time when there are effectively fewer members on hand to review matters. The Registrar provided senators with information about how the AAT is working with Government to address our resourcing challenges, including through the appointment of additional members.
A full transcript of our testimony will be available on the Parliament of Australia website shortly. In the meantime, please read our opening statement to the Committee.