Most applications include a duty to serve. This means you must give a copy of your application to people who are affected by it. Under the SAT Rules, unless the SAT orders otherwise, you have seven days after applying to the SAT to serve the application on the other parties.

These people include:

• the decision maker in a review application;
• people or organisations named in an original application to the SAT;
• any person the SAT Act or enabling law says must have a copy; and
• any person the SAT says must have a copy.

According to some enabling Acts, such as the Guardianship and Administration Act, the applicant does not have to serve documents on other people. In these cases, the SAT will give relevant parties notice of a hearing.

1. An application for a review of a decision may be served by:

• delivering a copy personally to their address or office;
• posting a copy; or
• emailing a copy to a decision maker if they have given the SAT a registered email address for service. See Register.

For example, if a person has asked the SAT to overturn a decision by a local government to refuse a town planning permit, the applicant should give the application to the local government.

2. An application for an original decision by the SAT (all decisions that are not reviews) may be served on:

• an individual by personally giving them a copy;
• a corporation by leaving a copy at its registered office, principal office or principal place of business;
• unincorporated association by leaving a copy at its principal office or principal place of business; or
• public sector body by faxing, posting or delivering a copy to their office or address for service. Read the SAT Rules for a definition of a public sector body. See Procedures.

For example, if a person has applied for compensation for resumption of their land, they should serve the documents on the resuming authority.

Instructions regarding special service requirements for particular applications are attached to the application form. Use the SAT Wizard to check them.

If you are unsure of the service requirements, contact the SAT.