Antoniou and Secretary, Department of Social Services (Social services second review)

This matter concerned an application for an extension of time to seek review of a decision made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). The applicant, Mr Antoniou, sought to extend the time within which he could lodge an application for review of a decision made by the AAT. The respondent was the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. The application was heard by A Durkin M of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was whether it should grant an extension of time for Mr Antoniou to seek review of the AAT's decision. This required the Tribunal to consider the reasonableness of the request for an extension.

In determining the reasonableness of the request, the Tribunal considered the factors relevant to such applications, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, and the merits of the substantive application. The Tribunal found that the delay in lodging the application for review was significant and that the reasons provided for the delay were not sufficiently compelling to justify granting an extension. The Tribunal concluded that it was not reasonable to grant the extension of time.

The application for an extension of time was refused.