TAS Powers for TASCAT to Extend or Shorten Proceeding Time Limits

Justice and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2026

2 Sep 2026: Parliament has voted to pass this bill — it's just waiting for the Governor's sign-off.

House of Assembly

Legislative Council

Assent

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Topics

administrative tribunals court fees highways legal proceedings local government retirement villages

Introduced by: The Hon Guy Barnett MP (LIB)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

TASCAT can now extend or shorten time limits for starting or conducting proceedings; this applies even if the original deadline has already passed
Applicants, other parties, or the Tribunal itself can request these time changes
The fee for applying to change a time limit is $60
TASCAT replaces the Magistrates Court (Administrative Appeals Division) for notifying the results of code of conduct complaints
TASCAT can now order increases in recurrent charges for retirement villages without previous limitations
Retirement village proceedings started before this Act still go through the Resource and Planning stream

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Tania Rattray IND

“Mr President, I move - That the bill be read a second time. I’m pleased to introduce this bill in the Council which makes minor amendments to update and clarify five different pieces of legislation related to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT). The bill amends two acts and one set of regulations within the Justice portfolio.”

Official source →

Michael Gaffney IND

“I rise to speak on the Justice and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill (No. 12 of 2026). With any miscellaneous amendments bill there are various parts as the government seeks to address certain issues. Broadly, the bill makes a variety of technical amendments, many of which are relatively minor and uncontroversial. As such, I will be supporting the bill.”

Official source →

Clare Glade-Wright IND

“I’ll add my two cents. I rise to support the Justice and Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2026, also. This bill updates six pieces of legislation that relate to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal through minor and/or technical amendments. We heard in the briefings that the bill aims to streamline processes, remove outdated provisions and improve access to justice.”

Official source →