What to discuss at the first meeting
Give the payment or debt issue, decision-maker and notification date. Keep the actual reasons and correspondence so the lawyer can assess the available review path.
Ask whether collection or other action needs separate attention while a review is pursued.
Working with a firm in North West & West Coast
Devonport, Burnie and Ulverstone are the listed centres for North West & West Coast. An office on the north coast may still be a considerable journey for a West Coast client.
For centrelink & social security, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant TAS experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside North West & West Coast. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
Keep the complete notice, reasons and review information. Record when and how the decision was received.
Ask whether internal review, a tribunal, complaint or court process is available. The Administrative Review Tribunal reviews specified Commonwealth decisions, not every government matter.
Identify evidence relevant to the disputed findings and ask how the agency file can be obtained. Clarify the result the reviewer can provide.
Fees and the scope of work
Clarify charges for advice, submissions, appearances and reports. Ask about legal aid or specialist assistance where appropriate.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Dates to raise at first contact
Give the decision and receipt dates immediately. A general complaint may not preserve an opportunity to seek formal review.
Questions to ask a centrelink & social security adviser
- What review stage has been reached?
- What evidence is needed to address the decision?