How to file an application in the State Administrative Tribunal of WA
The State Administrative Tribunal of Western Australia (SAT) reviews decisions of WA government agencies, professional boards, and local councils, and resolves commercial tenancy, strata, and guardianship disputes. Applications are lodged online with SAT, a fee is paid, and the matter is listed for directions, mediation, or hearing under the SAT Act 2004 (WA).
The framework
State Administrative Tribunal Act 2004 (WA). Jurisdiction is conferred by Acts including the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 (WA), the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA), the Commercial Tenancy (Retail Shops) Agreements Act 1985 (WA), and various vocational regulation Acts.
The process
Identify the enabling Act
SAT's jurisdiction comes from specific Acts. Check that the decision you want reviewed, or the dispute you want resolved, falls within one of those Acts.
Check the time limit
Review applications usually have a 28-day time limit from notice of the decision, but some Acts specify different periods. Check the relevant enabling Act.
Request written reasons (for review applications)
Under section 21 of the SAT Act, you can request written reasons from the decision-maker within 28 days. This helps frame the review application.
Choose the correct form
Use the online SAT application form for the relevant jurisdiction — human rights, commercial tenancy, vocational, development, or strata.
Describe the decision or dispute
Set out the decision, the date, the decision-maker, and why you say it should be reviewed — or the facts giving rise to the dispute.
Lodge online
Submit the application through the SAT website. Documents can be uploaded electronically.
Pay the filing fee
SAT fees vary by jurisdiction. Check the current SAT fees schedule — fee waiver is available for hardship.
Attend a directions hearing
SAT usually lists the matter for a directions hearing to set timetables for evidence, mediation, and hearing.
Attempt mediation
Many SAT matters are referred to mediation under s 54. Settlement can result in consent orders.
Attend the hearing and obtain orders
If unresolved, SAT conducts a hearing on the merits. SAT can affirm, vary, or set aside the decision, or make such orders as the enabling Act permits.
Forms and templates
- SAT online application (by jurisdiction)
- Request for written reasons under SAT Act s 21
Common mistakes
- Missing the 28-day review deadline
- Applying to SAT for a matter outside its enabling Acts
- Not requesting written reasons under s 21
- Treating SAT like a full court — procedure is more informal
- Failing to comply with directions, leading to strike-out
Get this process right with Quillio
Quillio identifies the correct enabling Act, drafts SAT applications, and prepares evidence bundles. See /practice-areas/civil-litigation-lawyers.
General information only — not legal advice. Enabling Acts vary significantly in their requirements — obtain advice on the specific Act applying to your matter.
Get this right the first time.
Quillio drafts the forms, checks against current requirements, and surfaces the relevant authority — all in one place. The free trial requires no credit card.
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