A person or organisation that is named in an application and is intended to be bound by a SAT decision is usually called the respondent, but is sometimes simply called a party. For example, in applications under the Guardianship and Administration Act, the term respondent is not used.

A respondent will ordinarily be served with a copy of the application. The respondent has the right to put their views before the SAT.

The respondent will receive a notice from the SAT advising them the application has been listed for a directions hearing. In some cases, they may receive notice it has been listed for a final hearing or that it is to be dealt with in some other way.

The respondent must attend the directions or other hearing they have been given notice. The SAT will advise how the matter should proceed at the directions hearing. See Directions Hearings.

If the respondent is a decision maker whose decision is under review, they must also lodge with the SAT all relevant documents or materials as required by s.24 of the State Administrative Tribunal Act and the SAT Rules.

The respondent is expected to attend any directions or other hearing and has a right to be heard.

If the respondent, their lawyer or representative, does not attend the first directions hearing, a decision may be made in their absence.