About AIAL

Australian Institute of Administrative Law (AIAL) was established in 1989. The principal objects of AIAL are to promote knowledge of and interest in Australian Commonwealth, State and Territory administrative law, and to provide a forum for the exchange of information and opinions on all aspects of administrative law and administrative practices. Administrative law is principally the law of government actions, decisions, processes and accountability, and extends to the actions and accountability of other bodies. It includes therefore the basic constitutional arrangements for government, and the basic legal checks on government, in particular by parliaments, courts and tribunals, Ombudsmen and other bodies.

Administrative law is particularly relevant to the areas of migration, social security, taxation, industry regulation (for example of health, education and media providers), environmental and development regulation, and professional regulation (for example of doctors, lawyers and sportspeople), and concerns the inquiries and operations of local, State and Territory and Commonwealth governments, and their privacy, freedom of information, fairness and and human rights obligations.

In pursuing these aims, AIAL publishes a triannual journal, AIAL Forum, organises an annual National Administrative Law Conference and National Administrative Law Lecture, conducts regular seminars across Australia, hosts an active website, awards essay and academic prizes, from time to time funds research on administrative law issues, and conducts other activities.

AIAL is a not-for-profit association incorporated in the ACT. The AIAL National Executive is based in Canberra and has responsibility for AIAL activities in the ACT. Details about the National Executive are here. AIAL has State Chapters responsible for AIAL activities in each State. Details about the State chapters are here. AIAL is not an advocacy group for any particular issue or position in relation to administrative law.

Our membership includes politicians, judges and tribunal members, public servants and government office holders, lawyers, academics, members of non-government organisations and members of the public who are interested in the law and practice of government actions and accountability.