Directions hearing outcomes - timelines and jurisdiction
Yesterday (2025-12-17) was the first case management directions hearing in my proceeding. These hearings are used to figure out timelines for the case, and other procedural matters - things like Services Australia’s application to move the case to the Tribunal’s Intelligence and Security Jurisdictional Area (ISJA) - which I discussed in my previous update.
In the days before the hearing, Wise Law (acting for me) and the Australian Government Solicitor (acting for Services Australia) figured out a rough timeline to propose to the ART. We did not agree on all points - but that is what the directions hearing is for. We did agree to have the ISJA application decided on the papers (i.e. without a hearing). Per the directions made, here is the current timetable for this case:
- by 2025-12-24: Services Australia must provide submissions in support of their ISJA application.
- by 2026-01-16: I must provide submissions in opposition to ISJA application.
- (sometime after): President of ART will decide on the ISJA application.
- by 2026-02-16: parties must file hearing certificates for July-September (this means we expect to be ready for the substantive hearing to be held during the certified period).
- by 2026-04-12: Services Australia must provide their Statement of Facts, Issues and Contentions (SOFIC) and evidence.
- by 2026-06-05: I must provide my SOFIC and evidence.
- by 2026-06-26: Services Australia may provide further submissions or evidence.
- (sometime in 2026 Q3): the substantive hearing.
As you can see, this case is going to drag on for quite a while! The good news is that we have lots of time to prepare our evidence and submissions. And a decent amount of time to respond to any, uh, “novelties” in Services Australia’s submissions.
I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all supporters so far. Over the Christmas period I will set up the promised website. For those who supported at “Insider Access” level or greater, I plan to hold the first Q&A session soon. Stay tuned for news on that!
