The evolution and reform of standing in Australian administrative law

The standing rule in administrative law requires parties to demonstrate that they have a special interest in the subject matter of the decision they wish to challenge in judicial review proceedings. This article examines the problems the special interest requirement has presented in judicial review, particularly to environmental groups, and how it has been liberalised in lower courts. The article then examines several possible reforms to standing and concludes that a standing rule should be retained but relaxed.