Local Government – Judicial Review of Administrative Actions

In-House Memorandum

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Judicial review of administrative actions

In several recent cases, we have found that reasons provided by administrative decision makers were insufficient or non-existent.  In one case, a rural Council’s reasons for a decision affecting a landowner’s interests superficially addressed only two issues of many relevant to the matter.  In another, Federal and State Governments made a series of significant environmental decisions based on an apparent mistake of fact, without any stated reasons or rationale being provided. Individuals may be entitled to have a decision reviewed in such circumstances by the process of judicial review. This differs from administrative review, in which the reviewer will stand in the shoes of the original decision-maker and, with a fresh approach, make a new decision on the merits of a matter (as is done, for example, by VCAT in planning matters[1]). Judicial review is a process by which the legal aspects of the original decision-making procedure are reviewed, as distinct from the subject matter of the decision. While rights to administrative review of decisions in most planning and environment matters are established in statute,[2] judicial review of Victorian administrative decisions is largely[3] at common law.[4] Through judicial review, a decision may be overturned due to some fatal flaw in the decision-making process.  There are many established grounds for judicial review,[5] such as where the decision-maker has acted contrary to the principles of natural justice or has failed to adhere to the legislative basis required for its decision, acting beyond its power (ultra vires). In the case of Sherlock v Lloyd & Ors [2010] VSCA 122, the Court of Appeal considered the previously unclear position as to whether a decision can be overturned on judicial review where the reasons given are inadequate.  It is now settled law, in Victoria, that inadequacy of reasons cannot in itself be a ground for review.  However, failure to give adequate reasons where there is a duty to give reasons may constitute an error in law, because the legislative pre-condition for the decision-making power has not been followed and the path of reasoning is not exposed.[6] While an error of law on the face of a decision (i.e. a misinterpretation of the law as it applies to the decision) may be grounds for judicial review, a mistake of fact will not necessarily render a decision judicially reviewable,[7] unless the mistake is so grave as to bring into question the very basis for a decision-maker choosing to make a decision. Robert Forrester 16 April 2014 Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation This fact sheet is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on matters of interest. It does not constitute legal advice. You should always seek legal and other professional advice which takes account of your individual circumstances.