Ministerial Intervention refers to the discretionary power of the Minister for Immigration to substitute a more favorable decision for one made by a review tribunal, such as the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), if it is deemed in the public interest. This authority is outlined in sections 351, 417, and 501J of the Migration Act 1958.

A request for Ministerial Intervention can be made when:

• A visa application has been refused, and all avenues of appeal through the AAT have been exhausted.
• There are unique or exceptional circumstances that justify the Minister's consideration, such as:
• Compelling humanitarian grounds.
• Significant new information not previously considered.
• Strong, established ties to the Australian community.

It's important to note that the Minister is not obligated to intervene and exercises this power at their discretion.

To request Ministerial Intervention:

1. Prepare a written submission detailing the exceptional circumstances and reasons for the request.
2. Include all relevant supporting documents, such as:
• Character references.
• Medical reports.
• Evidence of community ties.
3. Send the request to the Minister for Home Affairs or the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs via:
• Postal Address: PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
• Email: minister@homeaffairs.gov.au

Ensure that all personal details, including your name, date of birth, and any departmental reference numbers, are clearly stated at the beginning of the request.

The Minister evaluates whether intervening is in the public interest, considering factors such as:

• Compelling humanitarian circumstances.
• Significant new information not previously available.
• Strong, established ties to the Australian community.
• Potential contributions to Australia's society, economy, or culture.

However, the Minister is not obligated to intervene and exercises this power at their discretion.

Upon reviewing a request, the Minister may:

• Intervene Favorably: Grant a visa or provide a more favorable outcome than the tribunal's decision.
• Decline to Intervene: Decide not to take action, resulting in the original decision remaining in effect.

It's important to understand that the Minister's decision is final and typically not subject to further review.

Yes, family members can be included in a single request if they were part of the original visa application or tribunal review. Ensure that all relevant details and supporting documents for each family member are provided in the submission.

The success rate for Ministerial Intervention requests is generally low, as the Minister exercises this power sparingly and only in cases with compelling and exceptional circumstances. It's crucial to present a well-prepared submission with strong supporting evidence to enhance the chances of a favorable outcome.

The processing time for a Ministerial Intervention request can vary significantly, ranging from several months to over a year. Factors influencing the timeline include:

• The complexity of the case.
• The volume of requests received.
• Administrative considerations within the Department of Home Affairs.

Applicants should be prepared for potential delays and maintain regular communication with the Department.

If the Minister decides not to intervene:

• The original decision by the tribunal remains in effect.
• The applicant may be required to make arrangements to depart Australia.
• In certain situations, there may be limited avenues for further legal appeal or review.

It's advisable to seek legal advice to understand any remaining options.

Given the complexity and discretionary nature of the Ministerial Intervention process, obtaining legal assistance can be highly beneficial. Experienced immigration lawyers can:

• Provide guidance on eligibility and the strength of your case.
• Assist in preparing a comprehensive and persuasive submission.
• Navigate the procedural requirements effectively.

Professional advice can significantly enhance the quality of the request and potentially improve the chances of a favorable outcome.