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

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal considered the case of Carthew and the Secretary, Department of Social Services, concerning the cancellation of the applicant's mobility allowance. The central dispute revolved around whether the applicant continued to meet the qualification criteria for the allowance, specifically whether they were involved in more than 32 hours of specified activities over a four-week period, after ceasing vocational training and voluntary work, and with a grace period having expired.

The Tribunal was required to determine if the applicant qualified for the mobility allowance based on their participation in various programs and activities. This involved assessing whether the hours spent in these activities, following the cessation of previous engagements and the lapse of any applicable grace period, met the threshold of 32 hours per four-week period as stipulated by the relevant social security legislation.

In reaching its decision, the Tribunal considered a range of evidence, including documentary material from various organisations such as Neami National, Hope Springs, Mind Australia, and Lentil As Anything, as well as oral evidence from the applicant and Ms. Mifsud. The Tribunal noted that the applicant was no longer undertaking vocational training or voluntary work, and that any grace period had expired. The evidence indicated a significant change in the applicant's structured activities. The Tribunal affirmed the decision to cancel the mobility allowance, finding that the applicant did not meet the ongoing qualification requirements.