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

In *Georgiou and Secretary, Department of Social Services (Social services second review)*, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal considered an application for a Disability Support Pension (DSP). The applicant sought to overturn a decision by the Secretary of the Department of Social Services that refused their claim for the pension.

The primary legal issues before the Tribunal were whether the applicant's medical conditions were fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised within the relevant qualification period, and whether these conditions attracted an impairment rating of at least 20 points. Crucially, the Tribunal also had to determine if the applicant had a continuing inability to work, considering the requirements of participation in a program of support.

The Tribunal, presided over by C. J. Furnell SM, found that the applicant did not meet the 18-month participation requirement for a program of support, nor did any of the exceptions to this requirement apply. The applicant failed to demonstrate that their program of support was shorter than 18 months and completed within the relevant period, or that their inability to improve their work capacity was solely due to their impairment. Consequently, the Tribunal concluded that the applicant did not have a continuing inability to work.

Accordingly, the Tribunal affirmed the decision under review, meaning the applicant's claim for the Disability Support Pension was unsuccessful.