• Interview and hearing allows clients a chance to make submissions, to give and hear evidence, ask questions of your clients, and provide supporting documents.
• DIBP member listens to submissions and evidence, and makes a decision, either at the end of the hearing or in writing afterwards.
• Prepare the client early – start our preparation early so the client can gather all the relevant evidence and information about the case.
• Conduct an assessment to check the readiness of the client in terms of information to provide, proof of evidence and any additional information which may be relevant to the case.
• Practice the scenario with the clients and prepare them for any possible issues which may arise surrounding the issue at hand.
• All deadlines must be met within the prescribed timeframe. Our clients will be notified and reminders sent to them about any important deadlines.
• All correspondences and any verbal reminders sent out to the clients will be recorded accordingly. Should the client prefers communication to be done verbally, the communications will be recorded and a written summary will be sent to the clients to ensure all instructions are clear and no misunderstanding happens about the actual deadlines set by DIBP.
• Clients will be explained his right to appear before the DIBP to present his case and the procedure to follow at hearings and interviews. We will explain the process flow of the hearing or interview and what to expect so that he can prepare himself psychologically and emotionally.
• The most important part of the client preparation is the information to prepare for presentation to the DIBP at the hearing. This will include addressing all issues which may be raised and any relevant substantial issues of the hearing. The clients must fully understand the procedure of the hearing and what information to provide to the authority must be truthful and rehearsed. Our task is to prepare the client to attend a hearing fully prepared.
• Any information provided should be substantiated by proof of evidence and all these must be presented when required.
• If the client does not understand or cannot communicate in English language, we will make the necessary arrangement to have an interpreter present at the hearing.
• We will brainstorm every possible scenario with the clients to prepare any additional information or proof of evidence which may be required to be prepared and brought along during the hearing.