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Welfare & BenefitsAustralia
Centrelink ART Application Template (Australia)
If an Authorised Review Officer has affirmed a Centrelink decision you know is wrong, the next step in Australia is a first review by the Administrative Review Tribunal — free to lodge, informal, and decided afresh on the evidence. Our template produces the application letter and grounds statement under the ART Act 2024 (Cth), with the 13-week arrears window and hearing arrangements built in.
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Application for First Review of a Centrelink Decision
Administrative Review Tribunal — Social Services Jurisdiction · 10 June 2026
Sophie A. Nguyen
22 Jacaranda Avenue, Toowong QLD 4066
0438 220 114
sophie.nguyen@email.com.au
10 June 2026
Administrative Review Tribunal
GPO Box 9955
Brisbane QLD 4001
Brisbane QLD 4001
APPLICATION FOR FIRST REVIEW — CENTRELINK DECISION
CRN: 412 880 271T · Disability Support Pension (DSP)
Dear Registrar,
I apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal for a first review of a Centrelink decision concerning my Disability Support Pension (DSP). The internal review required before a Tribunal application has been completed: an Authorised Review Officer affirmed the decision on 26 May 2026. This application is made under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 (Cth) and Part 4A of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth). I understand no application fee applies to a Centrelink first review.
I apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal for a first review of a Centrelink decision concerning my Disability Support Pension (DSP). The internal review required before a Tribunal application has been completed: an Authorised Review Officer affirmed the decision on 26 May 2026. This application is made under the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 (Cth) and Part 4A of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth). I understand no application fee applies to a Centrelink first review.
1.
APPLICANT DETAILS
Full name: Sophie A. Nguyen
Customer Reference Number (CRN): 412 880 271T
Address: 22 Jacaranda Avenue, Toowong QLD 4066
Telephone: 0438 220 114
Email: sophie.nguyen@email.com.au
Customer Reference Number (CRN): 412 880 271T
Address: 22 Jacaranda Avenue, Toowong QLD 4066
Telephone: 0438 220 114
Email: sophie.nguyen@email.com.au
2.
DECISION UNDER REVIEW
Payment affected: Disability Support Pension (DSP)
Date of the internal review (ARO) decision: 26 May 2026
Review reference: ARO-2026-QLD-44712
What the Authorised Review Officer decided: The Authorised Review Officer affirmed the cancellation of my Disability Support Pension, agreeing with the job capacity assessment that my impairment rating is 10 points and that I can work 15 hours or more per week.
I confirm the internal review process has been completed, so the precondition to a Tribunal first review is satisfied.
Date of the internal review (ARO) decision: 26 May 2026
Review reference: ARO-2026-QLD-44712
What the Authorised Review Officer decided: The Authorised Review Officer affirmed the cancellation of my Disability Support Pension, agreeing with the job capacity assessment that my impairment rating is 10 points and that I can work 15 hours or more per week.
I confirm the internal review process has been completed, so the precondition to a Tribunal first review is satisfied.
3.
OUTCOME SOUGHT
I ask the Tribunal to set aside the decision under review and substitute the correct and preferable decision. I understand that on first review the Tribunal stands in the shoes of the original decision-maker, considers the matter afresh on the evidence before it, and may affirm, vary, or set aside and substitute the decision, or remit the matter with directions.
4.
WHY THE DECISION IS WRONG
The assessment understates the combined functional impact of my multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue. My neurologist's report — completed after the ARO decision — documents relapses and fatigue levels that satisfy the 20-point threshold and rule out sustained work of 15 hours a week.
5.
GROUNDS OF REVIEW STATEMENT
Error of fact: The decision rests on findings of fact that are wrong on the evidence. The Tribunal reviews the matter afresh and is not confined to the material before the original decision-maker — I ask it to make the correct findings on the whole of the evidence listed in this application.
New evidence: Evidence now available was not before the Authorised Review Officer. Because a first review is conducted afresh, the Tribunal can and should receive this material; it is identified in the evidence schedule below.
Statutory framework for this payment: For Disability Support Pension, qualification turns on section 94 of the Social Security Act 1991 (Cth): at least 20 points under the Impairment Tables in the Impairment Tables Determination 2023 (Cth), a continuing inability to work 15 hours a week, and — where no single Table yields 20 points — participation in a program of support. I ask the Tribunal to reassess each impairment rating against the Table descriptors on the whole of the medical evidence.
Grounds in detail: The job capacity assessment assigned 10 points under Table 4 (Spinal Function) and nothing under Table 1 (Functions requiring Physical Exertion and Stamina) despite documented post-exertional fatigue. My neurologist's report of 2 June 2026 records two relapses in the past 12 months, persistent neuropathic pain, and fatigue that limits sustained activity to under 3 hours a day. Applying the Table descriptors to that evidence yields at least 20 points, and the evidence shows I cannot sustain 15 hours of work a week within the next 2 years even with support.
New evidence: Evidence now available was not before the Authorised Review Officer. Because a first review is conducted afresh, the Tribunal can and should receive this material; it is identified in the evidence schedule below.
Statutory framework for this payment: For Disability Support Pension, qualification turns on section 94 of the Social Security Act 1991 (Cth): at least 20 points under the Impairment Tables in the Impairment Tables Determination 2023 (Cth), a continuing inability to work 15 hours a week, and — where no single Table yields 20 points — participation in a program of support. I ask the Tribunal to reassess each impairment rating against the Table descriptors on the whole of the medical evidence.
Grounds in detail: The job capacity assessment assigned 10 points under Table 4 (Spinal Function) and nothing under Table 1 (Functions requiring Physical Exertion and Stamina) despite documented post-exertional fatigue. My neurologist's report of 2 June 2026 records two relapses in the past 12 months, persistent neuropathic pain, and fatigue that limits sustained activity to under 3 hours a day. Applying the Table descriptors to that evidence yields at least 20 points, and the evidence shows I cannot sustain 15 hours of work a week within the next 2 years even with support.
6.
EVIDENCE AND WITNESSES
The following documents support this application:
1. Report of Dr Helen Marsh, consultant neurologist (dated 2 June 2026) — not before the ARO
2. MRI report — Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (dated 14 April 2026)
3. Fatigue diary with weekly activity log (dated March to May 2026) — not before the ARO
Witnesses:
— Mark Nguyen (husband and carer) — will give evidence about the daily assistance I need with household tasks and the after-effects of activity
Notes on the evidence: The neurologist report of 2 June 2026 post-dates the ARO decision of 26 May 2026 — it was not before the internal reviewer.
1. Report of Dr Helen Marsh, consultant neurologist (dated 2 June 2026) — not before the ARO
2. MRI report — Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (dated 14 April 2026)
3. Fatigue diary with weekly activity log (dated March to May 2026) — not before the ARO
Witnesses:
— Mark Nguyen (husband and carer) — will give evidence about the daily assistance I need with household tasks and the after-effects of activity
Notes on the evidence: The neurologist report of 2 June 2026 post-dates the ARO decision of 26 May 2026 — it was not before the internal reviewer.
7.
HEARING ARRANGEMENTS
Hearing format: I ask that any conference or hearing be conducted by video conference.
Accessibility: I need regular breaks during any hearing longer than 45 minutes because of fatigue.
Support person: I will be accompanied by Mark Nguyen as a support person, and ask that they be permitted to attend all conferences and hearings with me.
Priority listing: I ask that this application be listed as a priority because: The DSP was my main income; rent and medication costs are now being met from savings that will run out within two months.
Accessibility: I need regular breaks during any hearing longer than 45 minutes because of fatigue.
Support person: I will be accompanied by Mark Nguyen as a support person, and ask that they be permitted to attend all conferences and hearings with me.
Priority listing: I ask that this application be listed as a priority because: The DSP was my main income; rent and medication costs are now being met from savings that will run out within two months.
8.
PAYMENT CONTINUATION AND ARREARS
I ask that my payment continue pending the outcome of this review under section 145 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth), which empowers the Secretary to continue payment while an ART first review of an adverse decision is underway. I ask the Tribunal to record this request and refer it to Services Australia.
Arrears: This application is made within 13 weeks of the notice of the internal review decision, so under section 147 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth) a favourable Tribunal decision takes effect from the original date of effect — I ask that arrears be paid in full accordingly.
Arrears: This application is made within 13 weeks of the notice of the internal review decision, so under section 147 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth) a favourable Tribunal decision takes effect from the original date of effect — I ask that arrears be paid in full accordingly.
9.
FURTHER REVIEW RIGHTS
I note for the record that if the first review decision is adverse, an application for a second review of certain social services decisions may be made under Part 5A of the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 (Cth) within 28 days of the first review decision, and that a party may also apply within 28 days for the President to refer a decision raising an issue of significance to the Guidance and Appeals Panel under section 123 of that Act. Nothing in this application waives those rights.
10.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND CONTACT
Please acknowledge receipt of this application, allocate a case number, and tell me the next steps. I can be contacted using the details above, and I am available for a case conference at the Tribunal's convenience. I understand I can also contact the Tribunal on 1800 228 333 or lodge supporting material online at art.gov.au.
YOURS FAITHFULLY,
Sophie A. Nguyen
Applicant
Date: ____________________
APPLICANT
Sophie A. Nguyen
Date: ____________________
Available as a print-ready PDF or an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) file.
What Is an ART First Review of a Centrelink Decision?
The <strong>Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)</strong> is Australia's federal merits-review tribunal — it replaced the former tribunal on 14 October 2024 under the <strong>Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 (Cth)</strong>. On a first review of a Centrelink decision, the Tribunal stands in the shoes of the original decision-maker, considers the matter afresh, and reaches the correct and preferable decision: it can affirm, vary, set aside and substitute, or send the matter back to Services Australia with directions. An internal review by an Authorised Review Officer must be completed first.
For Centrelink matters the ART is deliberately accessible: there is <strong>no application fee</strong>, hearings in the social services jurisdiction are informal, interpreters are provided free of charge, and you can lodge online at art.gov.au, by phone on 1800 228 333, or by post to GPO Box 9955 in your capital city. The Tribunal's Common Procedures Practice Direction 2026 — in force since 2 March 2026 — governs lodgment, evidence and hearings for every Australian application. Roughly one in four social security reviews at the tribunal stage ends in a changed decision.
Timing still matters even though most Centrelink first reviews have no deadline: applying within <strong>13 weeks</strong> of the Authorised Review Officer's decision notice protects full arrears back to the original date of effect under s 147 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth). And because a first review is decided afresh, evidence the ARO never saw — a new specialist report, the right payslips, a care diary — counts in full. The application that names its grounds and its evidence is the one the Tribunal can decide quickly.
What's Covered in This Template
The letter doubles as the application and the grounds statement — the document the Tribunal member reads first.
Precondition Statement
Confirms the internal review is complete — the ARO decision date, reference and outcome — so the Tribunal's jurisdiction is clear on page one.
Registry & Lodgment Block
Addresses the application to your capital city registry (GPO Box 9955) with the online and phone lodgment channels recorded.
Outcome Sought
Set aside and substitute, vary, or remit with directions — the orders the Tribunal can make on a first review.
Expert: Grounds of Review Statement
Error of fact, error of law, new evidence and changed circumstances — each written in tribunal-ready language around your facts.
Expert: Payment-Aware Framework
DSP Impairment Tables and the 20-point threshold, JobSeeker income attribution, Age Pension residence and deeming, FTB care percentages — matched to your payment.
Expert: Evidence Schedule
A numbered document list that flags what was not before the ARO — the material that makes a fresh review come out differently.
Expert: Witness List
Who will give evidence — carer, employer, treating practitioner — and what each will say, so the hearing is planned rather than adjourned.
Expert: Hearing Arrangements
Interpreter (free of charge), accessibility adjustments, video, phone or in-person format, and a support person recorded up front.
Expert: Priority Listing Request
A hardship-grounded request to expedite the listing — concrete figures, not adjectives.
Expert: Payment Continuation
Asks for payment to continue during the first review under s 145 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth).
Expert: 13-Week Arrears Positioning
States whether the application is inside the 13-week window and claims full arrears accordingly — with protective wording if you are unsure.
Expert: Second Review & Appeals Panel Rights
Records the strict 28-day windows for a second review (ART Act Part 5A) and a Guidance and Appeals Panel referral (s 123), so nothing lapses by silence.
How to Create an ART Application
Five steps from ARO decision to lodged application.
- 1
Confirm the ARO Stage Is Done
The Tribunal can only review a Centrelink decision after the internal review. Have the ARO decision letter in front of you — its date starts the 13-week full-arrears window. If you have not had the internal review yet, start with our Centrelink review request template.
- 2
State the Outcome You Want
Set aside and substitute, vary, or remit. Add two or three sentences on why the decision is wrong — the structured grounds come next.
- 3
Build the Grounds Statement (Expert)
Tick error of fact, error of law, new evidence or changed circumstances. The template writes each ground in tribunal language and adds the statutory framework for your payment.
- 4
List Evidence and Witnesses (Expert)
Number each document, date it, and flag what the ARO never saw. Name witnesses and what each will say — the Tribunal plans hearings around exactly this.
- 5
Lodge It
Lodge online at art.gov.au, by phone on 1800 228 333, or post the letter to GPO Box 9955 in your capital city. Keep the acknowledgement — your case number and the lodgment date drive everything that follows.
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Legal Considerations
The ART is new, the procedures are new, and the time rules around it are strict.
This template provides general information for Australian Centrelink customers and is not legal advice. Economic Justice Australia member centres, community legal centres and Legal Aid commissions across Australia provide free representation in social security tribunal matters — especially valuable at second review and Guidance and Appeals Panel stages.
Reviewed for Australian law
The ART Replaced the Former Tribunal in October 2024
The <strong>Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 (Cth)</strong> abolished Australia's former federal merits-review tribunal and transferred its functions to the ART on 14 October 2024. Centrelink matters sit in the social services jurisdiction, with two tiers preserved: a <strong>first review</strong> decided afresh, and — for certain social services decisions — a <strong>second review</strong> under Part 5A of the Act. The ART (Common Procedures) Practice Direction 2026, commencing 2 March 2026, applies to all applications, and a dedicated practice direction governs the Guidance and Appeals Panel.
No Fee, No Costs, Free Interpreters
There is no application fee for a Centrelink first review, and the social services jurisdiction is a no-costs environment — you do not pay Services Australia's costs if you lose. Interpreters are arranged free of charge when requested, accessibility adjustments are made at lodgment, and hearings can run by video, by telephone or in person at any Australian registry. The practical consequence: the only real cost of a well-grounded application is the time it takes to prepare it properly.
Arrears and Payment Continuation
Most Centrelink first reviews have no application deadline — but under s 147 of the <strong>Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cth)</strong>, full arrears are only protected if the application is made within <strong>13 weeks</strong> of the internal review decision notice. Payment can also continue while the first review runs (s 145) where the adverse decision turned on a discretion or opinion. At second review the continuation power is not available — a stay of the decision must be sought from the Tribunal instead, which is one more reason to put the full case at first review.
Second Review and the Guidance and Appeals Panel — 28 Days
If the first review goes against you, two doors open for exactly <strong>28 days</strong>: an application for second review of certain social services decisions under Part 5A of the ART Act 2024 (Cth), and an application asking the President to refer a decision raising an issue of significance to the <strong>Guidance and Appeals Panel</strong> under s 123. Both windows are strict; extensions are exceptional. The template records both rights so the deadlines stay visible. For the stage before this one, see our Centrelink review request template; for overpayment debts, our Centrelink debt dispute letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take the Decision to the Tribunal — Free, Structured, On Time
Create your ART application in minutes: grounds statement, evidence and witness schedule, hearing arrangements and the 13-week arrears positioning, in formal Australian letter format. Download the PDF free, or unlock Expert for the full tribunal-ready statement.
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