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 the 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
This year’s conference is now open for registration, and promises a plethora of fabulous speakers, discussions, networking and valuable information. Please visit the conference website for further details and to register: 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 2026 – 15 Jan 2027
Cost: $500 (members) | $650 (non-members) + GST.
LATEST VACANCIES
Applications are sought for the role of Deputy Chair of the Social Security Appeal Authority (the Authority). This is an opportunity to make an important contribution as part of an appeals process that helps ensure appropriate decisions are made on individuals’ income support entitlements.
The Authority is a statutory tribunal that hears appeals against entitlement decisions made by the Ministry of Social Development which have already been reviewed by a local Benefits Review Committee. Hearings are conducted by the Chair or Deputy Chair with at least one other member.
Authority members are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister for Social Development and Employment following consultation with the Minister of Justice.
Candidates are sought with:
- a strong legal background, with good statutory interpretation skills –knowledge of New Zealand social security legislation and regulations would be an advantage
- strong analytical and decision-making skills, including the ability to assess and weigh information
- strong writing skills, ideally including experience preparing written decisions.
Please see the position description below for more information on the Authority and the role.
Application details
To be considered for appointment please apply by providing:
- a cover letter, which includes contact details (email address and phone number)
- a current curriculum vitae.
Applications are due by 5.00pm on Sunday 28 June 2026 and must be made via email to appointments@msd.govt.nz
For more information, visit https://www.justice.govt.nz/about/statutory-vacancies/
Expressions of interest are invited from persons wishing to be considered for appointment as Chair or a Member of the Firearms Licensing Review Committee (the Review Committee) to be established by the Arms Bill.
The Review Committee serves as an independent body for reviewing decisions made by Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand on the granting, revocation and conditions imposed on firearms licences.
The Review Committee plays an important role in providing an independent review of licensing decisions made by the Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand.
To be appointed a member of the Review Committee, candidates must be able to demonstrate:
- knowledge of, and experience with, firearms.
- sound understanding of relevant legal systems or judicial review
- experience in a decision-making role and/or in working within a statutory framework;
- broad knowledge and understanding of legal, advocacy or dispute resolution;
- knowledge or expertise of the firearms licensing system and firearms legislation, which may include experience in the community.
- expertise in the handling of sensitive information.
We are also seeking expressions of interest in the role of Chair of the Review Committee. This role requires leadership on highly complex legal issues, and candidates should be able to demonstrate:
- Career experience at a senior level reflecting excellent judgement, integrity, and impartiality.
- Recent experience working in a decision-making role
- In-depth understanding of review procedures and practices.
- The ability to provide vision and strategic leadership, and to set clear policies and priorities.
- An understanding of good management practices and the ability to articulate organisational goals and objectives.
- Knowledge of, and recent experience with, firearms.
- The ability to establish and maintain constructive relationships at all levels both externally and internally.
The Review Committee Chair and Members will be appointed by the Responsible Minister on the advice of the Ministry of Justice for a term of up to 5-years and may be reappointed.
For further information, including the Expression of Interest form, please visit: https://www.justice.govt.nz/about/statutory-vacancies/
Applications close 18 June 2026 at 5pm.
Please email your expression of interest, declaration and current curriculum vitae to: firearms@justice.govt.nz
The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) is seeking an experienced and suitably qualified professional to join its leadership team as Principal Registrar.
In consultation with the President, the Principal Registrar provides leadership and management of the human, financial, advisory, physical and technology resources that support the Tribunal in carrying out its role effectively and efficiently.
Applicants must be eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Tasmania. Previous experience as a Registrar or in a similar leadership role, together with experience in alternative dispute resolution, will be highly regarded.
For further information, including the Statement of Duties and application details, please visit the Tasmanian Government Jobs website:
Applications close Sunday, 14 June 2026.
