Ministerial Intervention in Australia

Ministerial Intervention is a discretionary power granted to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs to intervene in visa decisions under the Migration Act 1958. This process allows the Minister to grant a visa or provide special consideration in cases where the applicant has exhausted all appeal options through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) but has compelling or exceptional circumstances.

The Minister may intervene if there are strong humanitarian, compassionate, or public interest grounds, such as significant health issues, family unity, or contributions to the community. However, intervention is not automatic, and requests must meet strict criteria. Decisions are at the Minister’s absolute discretion, meaning there is no obligation to act or provide reasons for refusal.