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, procedural obligations under s 43 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 (Cth), and techniques for writing 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.