What is an internal review
An internal review is a process in which a Registry officer reassesses a decision made regarding your application or registration. All decisions will be made in a manner that is open, fair, consistent, impartial, and accountable, and will align with relevant legislation.
This process offers a quick and accessible alternative to more formal avenues, such as court proceedings. The review considers both the lawfulness of the original decision and its fairness or merits.
Requesting a review
If you don’t agree with a decision that has been made, you can ask for a review. You must make a request within 28 calendar days of being notified about the outcome of your application.
Your request will be reviewed by a Registry officer who was not involved in the original decision. You may be asked to provide further information or evidence to support your request.
How to make an application
Your application for an internal review should be made in writing or by email and lodged within 28 days of being advised of the decision (or a later date if allowed by the Registry) to:
Email: policyandengagement@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
Or write to us at:
Policy and Engagement team
NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
GPO Box 30
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Late applications may not be accepted. Each case will be considered individually, and you will be advised in writing if your request is accepted or not.
On receipt of your request a Registry officer will:
- acknowledge your request
- provide a date by which you will receive an outcome
- request any further information that may be relevant and assist your request.
Where multiple parties are involved, each party will be notified of the request for review.
Who will deal with my application
A Registry officer will carry out the internal review. This person will:
- not have been involved in the original decision
- be from a different team within the Registry
- have the authority to act on behalf of the Registrar under the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995.
Materials to be considered
The Registry officer conducting the internal review will consider the documents and information the Registry has on file, and any other relevant information submitted by you.
The Registry officer may contact you or other relevant parties for further information if necessary.
Where there is a conflict of information provided to the Registry, all parties will be invited to provide information and further documentation to be considered in the internal review.
Notice of result of review and appeal rights
You will be notified in writing of the results of the internal review, within 21 days of the Registry receiving your application, unless further information is required. You will be advised of any change to the date provided to you.
The outcome of the review will provide you with:
- the reasons for the decision in the internal review
- your right to have the decision reviewed by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
The reasons for the decision will note the following information:
- the key facts considered, the evidence used to support them, and the conclusions reached based on that information
- the relevant legislation or policy the decision was based on.
Possible outcomes
A decision will be provided in writing, in line with Section 6 of the Administrative Decisions Review Act 1997, and may:
- affirm (agree) the original decision
- vary (change) the original decision
- set aside (replace) the original decision and make a new decision in its place.
Where multiple parties are involved, each will be notified in writing of the decision.