The large, complex and evolving field of administrative law is of special importance to lawyers and indeed to all concerned with Australia's democracy. This is not only because administrative decision-making can, and increasingly does, touch upon almost any aspect of our lives but, more fundamentally, because administrative law is one of the primary means by which our commitment to the rule of law is applied. This commitment to the rule of law may be seen at its most direct in the field of judicial review. As a former Chief Justice of Australia has written:

Australian administrative law has its own distinctive character. Its influences include the Commonwealth's legislative reforms of the 1970s and early 1980s. These reforms covered a wide field, and included the establishment of a simplified process of judicial review before the newly created Federal Court of Australia. No less importantly, the reforms provided for merits review before a new and independent tribunal of high standing, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. It would be a serious mistake to underestimate the importance of merits review by tribunals and other non-judicial aspects of administrative law, for tribunals are usually the first and most accessible avenue for Australians seeking review of executive decision-making.