Discretion not to deal with an agent

While a student has the right to appoint any individual or organisation as their agent, in certain circumstances it may be appropriate for StudyLink to not deal with their chosen agent.

The discretion not to deal with a student's chosen agent must be exercised in a reasonable and fair manner, and be for a fully justifiable reason. Examples of where it may be relevant include:

• the agent chosen by the student is their 12 year old child
• the agent has had a trespass notice issued against them, prohibiting them from being present in StudyLink offices

If you decide not to deal with a student's chosen agent, you must inform the student of this. This would preferably occur at the start of the agency, however if you become aware of valid reasons why StudyLink should not deal with the agent after they have already been appointed, it would still be appropriate to inform the student of this.

You will also need to make notes in the student's SAL record, including:

• the name of the agent and
• the reasons why you have determined StudyLink should not deal with the agent