Tribunals and Administrative Policies: Does the High or Low Policy Distinction Help?
Australian Journal of Administrative Law, Vol. 16, pp. 143-156, 2009
19 Pages Posted: 1 Jun 2009 Last revised: 20 Feb 2013
Date Written: June 1, 2009
Abstract
The administrative law literature identifies a number of factors for allocating weight to administrative policies by merits review tribunals. The primary consideration is the distinction between high policies, those made at the ministerial level, and low policies, those made at the departmental level. This article questions whether the high or low policy distinction assists in allocating weight to administrative policies. It argues that the distinction is problematic and that the scope of flexibility when applying policies should be assessed primarily by reference to considerations drawn from the particular regulatory context.
Keywords: administrative law, tribunals, adjudication, administrative policies, policy review
JEL Classification: K10, K23, K30
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation