The AAT is basically what’s known as an administrative court in other countries [1], or a consolidation of the numerous tribunals presided over by administrative law judges in the U.S. [2]. The average person in Australia is most likely to interact with the AAT by appealing a decision of the federal government in relation to child support, workers’ compensation, social security, immigration or tax [3]. Although the distinction between an AAT member and a judge is constitutionally important, it is not that obvious or practically significant. Both conduct public hearings and provide written reasons for deciding the legal disputes within their jurisdiction, which can be further appealed.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administrative_court