COAT is the national body through which tribunals can come together to examine and compare ideas, working methods, organisation and management, member trainings and support programs.
About the Council of Australasian Tribunals
The COAT is intended to facilitate liaison and discussion between the heads of tribunals. It will support the development of best practice models and model procedural rules, standards of behaviour and conduct for members and increased capacity for training and support for members.
At the inaugural meeting on 6 June 2002 Commonwealth, State, Territory and New Zealand tribunal heads supported a proposal for establishing a Council of Australasian Tribunals… Learn more
Contacting the Council of Australasian Tribunals
If you would like more information about COAT, please contact Ms Kathryn McKenzie, COAT Secretariat, on 0418 281 116 or at info@coat.asn.au
Latest News & Events
2026 COAT National Conference – Save the Date
‘Respect, Flexibility, Excellence’
Hosted in Adelaide 4-5 June 2026 at the National Wine Centre of Australia
Next year’s conference planning is well underway, and promises a plethora of fabulous speakers, discussions, networking and valuable information. The conference program schedule will be similar to 2025. We look forward to bringing you further details shortly. Please visit the conference website for further details and to register for updates: https://coatconference.com.au/
From 2026 and then every two years, the Council of Australasian Tribunals (COAT) will offer an Award of up to $10,000 to encourage research and best practice in an area of tribunal excellence in Australia and New Zealand. The successful applicant will be invited to present the outcome of their study at the COAT annual conference. Find out more / Apply now
2026 Professional Development Courses Now Open for EOI & Registration
Online Induction Program
The Online Induction Program is COAT’s flagship professional development course, designed to support recently appointed Tribunal members — including those with specialist expertise and without legal backgrounds.
Developed and reviewed by a committee of Tribunal experts, the program offers practical guidance on procedural fairness, fact-finding, decision writing, and conducting hearings (including managing self-represented applicants).
Delivered online and self-paced, it combines flexible learning with expert feedback, interactive activities, and two live Teams Meet-ups with senior Tribunal members and the COAT Education Consultant.
2026 Course Dates:
- 13 April – 26 June
- 24 August – 31 October
Cost: $595 + GST. Limited to 20 participants per intake.
Introduction to Decision Writing (Online)
This short, intensive online program helps Tribunal members strengthen their decision-writing skills and gain confidence in preparing clear, reasoned, and persuasive decisions.
Designed primarily for members with less than two years’ experience, the program is also ideal as a refresher for more experienced members. Delivered over three weeks, participants will explore decision structure, complying with the obligation to give adequate reasons, and techniques for writing concise, cogent and timely reasons
2026 Course Dates:
- 20 April – 8 May
- 13 July – 31 July
- 14 September – 2 October
Cost: $495 + GST. Limited to 20 participants per intake.
Advanced Decision Writing (Online) 26-27
This advanced online course is designed for experienced Tribunal members seeking to deepen their decision-writing expertise.
Through a series of in-depth interviews with leading judicial officers — including Justices Jagot, Leeming, Griffith, Pepper, and Deputy President McCabe — participants explore real-world challenges in complex decision writing.
Topics include findings of fact where evidence is finely balanced, dealing with technical or voluminous material, exercising discretion, and structuring multi-issue decisions.
Each interview is paired with practical exercises to reinforce learning and support reflection on personal writing practice.
2026–27 Course Dates:
- 1 Mar – 30 Apr
- 1 Jul – 31 Aug
- 1 Sep – 31 Oct
- 1 Nov 2025 – 15 Jan 2027
Cost: $500 (members) | $650 (non-members) + GST.
LATEST VACANCIES
Part-time Sessional Members 2026 – Mental Health Review Tribunal NSW
The Minister for Mental Health is seeking applications from qualified persons interested in appointment as part-time sessional members of the NSW Mental Health Review Tribunal. Appointments are for up to a four-year period. Psychiatrist candidates must be available a minimum of ten times per year with other categories a minimum of fortnightly. Greater availability is welcomed. All appointment start dates will fall between August and October 2026.
Applications are sought for the following categories:
Lawyer
Psychiatrist
Other Suitably Qualified Member
Please click here for further details and to apply.
Applications close on Sunday 11 January 2026 at 11pm.
