Keys and Repatriation Commission (Veterans' entitlements)

This matter concerned an interlocutory application before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) concerning an application for veterans' entitlements. The applicant, Mr Keys, sought the reinstatement of his application, which had been finalised in March 2020 by the consent of the parties. The Repatriation Commission opposed the reinstatement.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was whether it had the power to reinstate Mr Keys' application, and if so, whether the circumstances warranted the exercise of that power. This involved considering the Tribunal's powers regarding consent, remittal, and reinstatement of applications, and determining whether the original finalisation of the application had been made in error.

The Tribunal considered the relevant legislative provisions and the circumstances surrounding the original finalisation of the application. It found that while the Tribunal possessed powers relating to consent and remittal, the specific power to reinstate an application that had been finalised by consent was not clearly established in the circumstances presented. Ultimately, the Tribunal concluded that the application for reinstatement should be declined.