Decision reviews

We'll notify you if any adverse decision we've made is reviewable under the Act. You can find the full list of reviewable decisions in section 48 of the Act.

Some adverse reviewable decisions include:

• refusing to issue an Australian travel document, except:
  • a decision to refuse to issue an Australian travel document to a child where a declaration has been made under subsection 11(3) of the Act, or
  • a decision made because of subsection 12(2) of the Act (Australian law enforcement matters).
• cancelling an Australian travel document, other than a decision made under section 22AA of the Act
• refusing to process an application for an Australian travel document, including when we reasonably suspect documents, statements or information provided with the application are false, misleading, or incomplete
• demanding the surrender of an Australian travel document in certain circumstances 
• refusing a name or signature because the decision maker considered it unacceptable, inappropriate, or offensive
• refusing to waive a fee or to refund all or part of a fee, including passport application fees and additional fees for priority or faster processing, or overseas surcharge.

Not all reviewable decisions are listed above. Find the full list of reviewable decisions in section 48 of the Act. 
 

Your request for an internal review must be made in writing within 28 days after you are notified of the reviewable decision. 

Your request must include:

• your full name
• the decision you want reviewed, and
• the reasons for requesting an internal review. 

Please also provide us with: 

• your contact details
• the date you were notified of the decision 
• any reference number (such as an application number or Australian travel document number)
• why you believe the decision should be changed.

You may provide new information you want us to consider when you submit your request for review. You don't need to submit documents or information you've already provided.

Email your request to APO.Reviews@dfat.gov.au. 

If you can't email it, you can post your request to:

Passport Reviews Section
Australian Passport Office
GPO Box 9807
Canberra ACT 2601 
 

After reviewing the original decision, the authorised officer will:

• affirm the decision (keep the original decision)
• vary the decision (change the original decision); or
• set aside the decision and make a decision in substitution for it.

If you disagree with the internal review outcome, you may be able to apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)(Opens in a new tab/window) for a review of that decision.

In most cases, you must request an internal review and receive an internal review decision before you can seek an external review. 

Your internal review decision letter will tell you about any rights of external review and what to do next.