This fact sheet is designed to help children understand the role of a separate representative appointed for them in NCAT Administrative and Equal Opportunity Division proceedings.
NCAT is a place that helps solve problems when people can’t agree on what to do. It’s a bit like a court and it decides what’s best for everyone.
NCAT looks at the decision made by the government agency. If NCAT thinks the decision isn’t right, it can change it.
If NCAT needs to make a decision that affects you, it will find someone to help speak up for you. This person is called a ‘separate representative’.
The separate representative can help your brothers or sisters if the decision affects them too.
A separate representative is a special type of lawyer who helps children in places like NCAT.
The separate representative doesn’t have to do what you tell them, but they will always do what is best for you.
Before the NCAT hearing, the separate representative will talk to you about how you feel and explain what’s happening.
They might meet you in person or talk to you on the phone. You can ask them questions and they will ask you questions too.
It’s important you tell the separate representative as much as you can so they can best understand you.
The separate representative will go to the NCAT hearing and tell NCAT what you think and how you feel.
The separate representative will also share other important information to help NCAT make the best decision for you.
You don’t have to go to the hearing at NCAT. If you want to go to the hearing, you should tell your separate representative.
NCAT might not make a decision on the same day as the hearing. Sometimes NCAT needs more time to think about what’s best.
After the hearing, your separate representative will let you know as soon as NCAT has made a decision.
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