NCAT, AAT & Civil Matters

We help clients navigate the complex system of administrative reviews.

Whether you’re challenging a decision about carer authorisation, a removal of a foster child from care, working with children checks, or NDIS plans and decisions— we are your advocate every step of the way. We guide you from the first conference to final tribunal appearances, including mediations, hearings, and beyond.

Our Expertise

Foster care decisions & authorised carer matters

We provide representation for clients at NCAT to challenge decisions like refusals, suspensions or revocations of carer authorisations, or where a child has been removed from a foster placement.

Working with Children and NDIS Worker Checks

Including internal reviews (within 28 days of decision), followed by external appeals to NCAT if needed.

NDIS review & appeals

We support participants, carers, and foster parents through both requested plan reviews and formal appeals to the AAT.

How NLS Law can help you

1. First Conference
• We begin with a conference to understand the decision, timeline, evidence, and your objectives.
• We advise what evidence matters most.
• We discuss a strategy and the Application.

2. Internal Review Representation
• We prepare and lodge your internal review application promptly if you seek our assistance to do so, there are strict time limits which we will discuss.
• We draft persuasive submissions, compile all relevant material, communicate with decision-makers, and push for the best possible result.

3. External Review & Appearance at NCAT
• If internal review doesn’t resolve the issue, we will lodge your application to NCAT (for foster care/WWCC decisions) or AAT (for NDIS decisions) within strict deadlines.
• We build your case strategy, submit evidence, and represent you during any directions hearings.

4. Mediation & Settlement Conferences
Where mediation is available or offered, we attend on your behalf; negotiating professional settlements, reducing stress and delay.

5. Final Hearing Representation
At the tribunal hearing, we advocate for you and conduct your hearing if counsel is not briefed, manage expert evidence or witnesses where needed, and work toward the best possible outcomes for you.

Administrative Review Process Overview

Stage	What NLS Law does:
Conference & Planning	Clarify facts, legal grounds, strategy and timelines
Internal Review	Draft and lodge application, supply supporting documents
External Review	Lodge/Respond to NCAT or AAT, prepare submissions and evidence
Mediation / Settlement	Represent you in ADR, negotiate best possible outcome
Hearing	Appear at tribunal, present case, cross-examine witnesses and make submissions on your behalf
Appeals	Conduct appeals if instructed to do so based on merit of each case

Why clients choose NLS Law?

Specialist focus on child-related administrative law – We live and breathe Children’s Court, NCAT community services and NDIS reviews.
Empathetic support – We understand these decisions affect real families and carers, emotionally and culturally.
State-wide reach in NSW – With offices in Sydney and Newcastle, we act on your behalf throughout NSW, including via remote conferencing and accessible service options.

Ready to challenge a decision?

Contact us today to schedule a conference. We’ll talk you through your options, help you understand timing and evidence requirements, and begin immediately on your behalf.
At NLS Law, we turn legal complexity into clarity—protecting your rights in children’s administrative matters and NDIS challenges .

Book an initial conference with NLS Law for $550 (incl. GST).