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Service charter

Our objectives

The South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) is established under the South Australian Employment Tribunal Act 2014 (the Act) to deal with employment related matters.

SAET is underpinned by the following principles:

  • best practice principles of decision-making including independence, natural justice, procedural fairness, high-quality and consistent decision-making, transparency and accountability
  • accessibility by way of a central registry for all employment matters
  • the swift and fair resolution of applications for review, including compulsory conciliation
  • cost effectiveness for the parties
  • straight-forward language and procedures
  • minimal formality and procedures, where appropriate
  • flexibility in the conduct of its business.

Section 8 of the Act describes the main objectives of the Tribunal in dealing with matters within its jurisdiction in detail.

Jurisdiction

The Tribunal has jurisdiction as conferred by statute. The Return to Work Act 2014 confers the jurisdiction for dispute resolution in the Return to Work Scheme in South Australia. SAET is the principle body for dispute resolution for various workers compensation matters.

Commitment

SAET will deliver continuously improved and consistent dispute resolution with systems that deliver the best in terms of ease of access, service and fairness and the best in terms of cost effectiveness without compromise to justice.

In meeting our statutory charters we are committed to:

  • operating with integrity, independence and accountability
  • ensuring equity and fairness to all parties and treating everyone with dignity and respect
  • dealing with matters in a timely, effective and consistent manner
  • being accessible to our users and to the community
  • respecting the value of our people’s contribution
  • upholding the rule of law and maximising public trust and confidence in the independence and integrity of the Tribunals.

You can expect:

  • procedural information
  • forms and relevant documentation to be available to you
  • assistance with the completion of forms
  • help for those with special needs (you should alert staff of any special requirements ie. interpreters, security needs, religious beliefs, telephone link-ups, physical disabilities, and other difficulties)
  • notification of the date, time and location of your hearing. On the day of your hearing you should also check the case list published on this website under Today’s hearings. The hearings list is also displayed in the SAET waiting areas
  • notification of the final decision determined by the Court or Tribunal together with any reasons for that decision.

Staff cannot:

  • provide legal advice or opinion about the merits of your case.
  • interpret the meaning of Awards and/or Enterprise Agreements.
  • comment on any decision handed down by Members.
  • recommend a particular firm or person to represent you.
  • undertake research for you.

You can help us to help you by:

  • familiarising yourself with procedures and if unsure, seek assistance
  • contributing to the fair and efficient conduct of proceedings.
  • being punctual and prepared for your role in the proceedings.
  • treating the Members, staff and other parties with respect.
  • following any directions given to you by Members or staff.
  • raising any concerns or suggestions in a timely and constructive manner.