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

This matter concerned an application for an extension of time to lodge an application for review of a decision by the Secretary, Department of Social Services, relating to the applicant's claims for the age pension for a past period. The respondent opposed the extension of time application. The Tribunal was constituted by Senior Member K. Parker.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was whether it was reasonable in all the circumstances to grant an extension of time for the lodgement of the substantive application for review, given the substantial delay that had already occurred. A further issue arose when the applicant informed the Tribunal at the extension of time hearing that she no longer intended to pursue an application for review of the original decision.

The Tribunal considered various factors relevant to the application for an extension of time. However, upon being informed that the applicant no longer wished to proceed with a review of the decision, the Tribunal concluded that it was not satisfied that it was reasonable in all the circumstances to extend the time for the lodgement of the substantive application.

Consequently, the Tribunal made an order refusing the application for an extension of time.