The State Administrative Tribunal handles three types of vocational applications. The SAT:
- hears disciplinary complaints brought by vocational bodies against members of the vocation or occupation;
- reviews decisions made by regulatory bodies regarding licences to operate in an occupation; and
- reviews decisions regarding fidelity and compensation funds.
Which enabling laws give the SAT the power to make decisions?
The following laws give the SAT the power to make disciplinary decisions or to review licensing decisions. The relevant vocational board or government department is also listed.
| Act | Vocational Group/Board | Original/ Disciplinary |
Review/ Licensing |
Contact details |
| Architects Act 2004 | Architects Board of WA | * | * | Website Ph 9321 4910 |
| Child Care Services Act 2007 | * | |||
| Chiropractors Act 2005 | Chiropractors Registration Board | * | Website Ph 9321 8499 |
|
| Debt Collectors Licensing Act 1964 | Debt Collectors* | * | * | Department of Consumer and Employment Protection Ph 1300 30 40 54 |
| Dental Act 1939 | Dental Board of WA | * | * | Website Ph 9321 8499 |
| Dental Prosthetists Act 1985 | Dental Prosthetists Advisory Committee | * | * | Ph 9313 0555 |
| Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991(given effect by s 32(3)(faa) Electricity Act 1945) | Electrical Licensing Board | * | Website Ph 9422 5200 |
|
| Employment Agents Act 1976 | Employment Agents* | * | * | Ph 9282 0834 |
| Hairdressers Registration Act 1946 | Hairdressers Registration Board of WA | * | * | Ph 9328 5899 |
| Human Reproductive Technology Act 1991 | Providers of services related to assisted Reproductive Technology* | * | * | |
| Land Valuers Licensing Act 1978 | Land Valuers Licensing Board | * | * | Department of Consumer and Employment Protection Complaints ph 1300 304 054 Licensing ph 9282 0837 Website |
| Legal Practice Act 2003 |
Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal | * | * | Ph 9325 1311 Website |
| Licensed Surveyors Act 1909 | Land Surveyors Licensing Board | * | * | Website Ph 9273 7103 |
| Medical Act 1894 | Medical Board of Western Australia | * | * | Website Ph 9481 1011 |
| Medical Radiation Technologists Act 2006 | * | |||
| Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 | Motor Vehicle Dealers Licensing Board | * | * | Ph 9282 0777 |
| Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors Act 1963 | Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors | * | Ph 9216 8000 licensing and complaints |
|
| Nurses and Midwives Act 2006 | Nurses and Midwives Board of Western Australia | * | * | Website Ph 9421 1100 |
| Occupational Therapists Act 2005 | Occupational Therapists Registration Board | * | * | Website Ph 9368 2655 |
| Optometrists Act 2005 | Optometrists Registration Board | * | * | Website Ph 9321 8499 |
| Osteopaths Act 2005 | Osteopaths Registration Board | * | * | Ph 9368 2633 |
| Painters' Registration Act 1961 | Painters' Registration Board | * | * | Ph 9476 1212 Website |
| Pharmacy Act 1964 | Pharmaceutical Council of WA | * | * | Website Ph 9388 2886 |
| Physiotherapists Act 2005 | Physiotherapists Registration Board | * | Website Ph 9368 2644 |
|
| Podiatrists Act 2005 | Podiatrists Registration Board | * | Website Ph 9321 8499 |
|
| Professional Combat Sports Act 1987 | Professional Combat Sports Commission | * | Website Ph 9492 9745 |
|
| Psychologists Act 2005 | Psychologists Board of WA | * | * | Website Ph 9321 8499 |
| Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978 | Real Estate and Business Agents Supervisory Board | * | * | Website Ph 9282 0843 |
| Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996 | Security Agents* | * | * | WA Police Service Ph 9231 7199 |
| Settlement Agents Act 1981 | Settlement Agents Supervisory Board | * | * | Website Ph 9282 0844 |
| Travel Agents Act 1985 | Travel Agents* | * | * | Department of Consumer and Employment Protection Ph 1300 304 054 |
| Veterinary Surgeons' Act 1960 | Veterinary Surgeons' Board | * | * | Website Ph 9367 4674 |
| W.A. Marine (Certificates of Comptency and Safety Manning) Regulations 1983, given effect to by s 10(f) and (g) of the WA Marine Act 1982 | * | |||
| Water Services Licensing (Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards) Regulations 2000, given effect to by s 61 Water Services Licensing Act 1995 | * | * | ||
| Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Regulations 1982 | * | |||
| Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 | * |
* No separate board
Where do I go if I have a complaint about a regulated occupation?
You must contact the relevant vocational board or body and ask them to investigate the matter. The board will decide if the matter should be referred to the SAT.
The vocational boards that can bring matters to the SAT are listed in the table.
Where do I go if I want a vocational licensing decision reviewed?
On most occasions you can apply to the SAT. However, you must check that the licensing decision was made under an enabling Act that gives the SAT the power to review that decision. If you are unsure, check with the licensing authority or use the SAT Wizard.
How will the matter be handled?
Once the application is accepted by the SAT it will usually be listed for a directions hearing at which the matter will be sent to a final hearing or referred to mediation or compulsory conference.
Which major vocations does the SAT not handle?
The SAT does not deal with vocational matters relating to State schoolteachers, prison officers, police officers, emergency services personnel and auctioneers. For information on these vocations, contact the relevant Government department or industry association.
For more information on areas not covered by the SAT see Matters Not Dealt With by SAT in Jurisdiction.