Expertise in Employment Law & Complex Migration Reviews
Our skilled immigration lawyers offer expert assistance with :
Need Assistance with an ART Appeal? Trust Valid Lawyers for Expert Representation
Are you dealing with a legal issue before the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)? Do you need reliable, experienced ART lawyers to guide you through the appeal process and fight for the best possible outcome? Valid Lawyers is here to help.
Our team of highly skilled ART lawyers has a proven track record of success across a variety of Tribunal matters. We understand the challenges of navigating ART proceedings and are committed to delivering tailored, strategic legal solutions designed to protect your rights and achieve results.
Why Choose Valid Lawyers for Your ART Matter?
At Valid Lawyers, we pride ourselves on providing top-tier legal representation combined with exceptional client care. Based in Brisbane, our experienced ART lawyers offer expert guidance at every stage of the appeal process.
We have extensive experience handling ART cases involving:
- Migration and visa appeals
- Administrative law reviews
No matter the complexity of your case, we’re here to ensure you’re informed, supported, and well-represented throughout.
The replacement of the AAT with the ART marks a significant reform in Australia’s administrative law landscape, especially in migration matters. While the core right to seek review of a migration decision remains, the process, structure, and experience of review are changing. The scope for further appeal remains limited to judicial review, ensuring legal oversight while encouraging finality and efficiency in administrative decision-making.
What is Merits Review?
Merits review involves reconsideration of a decision by a new decision-maker. This review assesses the facts, law, and policy and determines the “correct or preferable” decision.
In the context of migration law, this includes decisions made by the Immigration Department in relation to Visa refusals or cancellations.
- Sponsorship refusals
- Protection visa outcomes
Valid Lawyers will look closely at your departmental file and assist you in presenting your case in the most effective manner in order to get the “correct or preferable” decision.
What is the Administrative
Review Tribunal?
Single national tribunal replacing the ART.
A focus on independence, integrity, and efficiency.
Introduction of streamlined processes for review.
Improved access to justice through digital platforms, clearer procedures, and user assistance.
Scope to Appeal a Decision of the ART
Further Merits Review
In most cases, no second merits review is available. However:
- Some ART decisions may be reconsidered internally (e.g., correction of obvious errors).
Valid Lawyers will assist you to present your case in the event of an internal review before a more costly Judicial Review
Judicial Review
If you believe that the ART:
- Made a legal error,
- Breached procedural fairness, or
- Acted outside its legal powers,
You may apply for judicial review in a court, typically:
- Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, or
- Federal Court of Australia.
Judicial review does not reassess the facts, but examines whether the decision was made according to law.
Kelvin Mateer
Lawyer
0410778231
kelvin@validlawyers.com.au
Kelvin Mateer – Principal Lawyer | Valid Lawyers
Kelvin Mateer – Principal Lawyer | Valid Lawyers
Kelvin Mateer is the Principal Lawyer at Valid Lawyers and a highly regarded legal practitioner with deep expertise in Australian immigration law. Admitted to practice in both the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia, Kelvin has been assisting clients since 2006 in navigating complex immigration matters, tribunal advocacy, and strategic legal challenges.
With a strong focus on employment law, labour mobility, and migration review matters, Kelvin works closely with businesses across a range of industries to deliver tailored legal solutions. His consultative approach and deep legal insight have made him a trusted advisor to both corporate and individual clients facing critical migration issues.
Kelvin’s professional qualifications reflect his commitment to both legal excellence and broader interdisciplinary knowledge:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Laws
- Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
- Master of Education
What People Think About Us
Exceptional service and support! Kelvin and his team guided me through a complex migration review at the ART with incredible professionalism and care. They explained every step clearly and helped me feel confident through a stressful process. Highly recommended for anyone needing serious migration assistance.
The team at Valid Lawyers are true experts in employment law. Their advice was clear, strategic, and tailored to my situation as an employer. Georgy was fantastic—professional, approachable, and extremely knowledgeable. I couldn't have asked for better legal support.
Valid Lawyers helped me take my case to the Federal Circuit Court after my visa was refused. Their attention to detail and legal expertise were second to none. Thanks to their support, I had a fair hearing and a real chance to present my case. I'm truly grateful.
Professional, reliable, and genuinely committed to helping. The team assisted me with a ministerial intervention request and handled everything with great care and precision. I felt heard and supported throughout the process. Thank you for your dedication!
Get in Touch with Our Experts
Have questions or need assistance? Fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you promptly with the guidance you need.
Our Office Address
189 Kelvin Grove Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059
admin@validlawyers.com.au
Phone Number
07 3352 6776
Phone Number
+61 413 942 180