QCAT Explained: Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Guide

What the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) does

QCAT resolves a wide range of civil disputes and reviews of government decisions in a way that aims to be accessible, fair, quick and inexpensive. It was established on 1 December 2009 by consolidating 18 former Queensland tribunals, and operates under the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld) along with many other Acts that give it its jurisdiction. The tribunal has original jurisdiction (deciding disputes), review jurisdiction (reviewing administrative decisions of government agencies), and appeal jurisdiction (through its Appeal Tribunal). Proceedings are generally less formal than a court, the strict rules of evidence do not apply, and parties often represent themselves.

What it hears

Minor civil disputes - debt claims, and consumer and trader disputes, for amounts up to $25,000
Residential tenancy disputes between tenants and lessors or agents (bonds, rent, repairs, termination)
Building and construction disputes, including domestic building work claims
Neighbourhood disputes over trees and dividing fences
Anti-discrimination and human rights complaints
Guardianship and administration - decision-making for adults with impaired capacity
Reviews of Queensland government agency decisions (for example blue cards, weapons licences, and disability or child safety decisions)
Professional and occupational discipline matters, and retail shop lease disputes

Before your first court date

A QCAT matter starts when an application is lodged with the registry (online, by post or in person) together with the prescribed fee. The applicant must then serve a copy on the other party or parties (the respondent), who may file a response. Before any final hearing QCAT often issues directions - written instructions with due dates - setting out steps such as filing statements and evidence, and may require the parties to attend mediation or a compulsory conference to try to settle or narrow the dispute. Read every direction carefully and meet each due date, because the tribunal expects you to come to your first listing having done what the directions required.

What happens at your first appearance

Your first listing is often a directions hearing - a short procedural listing, usually around 15 minutes and frequently held by telephone, where the tribunal works out how the matter will proceed and sets timeframes and hearing dates. A directions hearing does not decide the dispute and you do not need to bring witnesses. Minor civil disputes typically follow a more streamlined path and may be heard on the first listing, where the member may try to help the parties settle before making a binding decision. Arrive (or dial in) early, have your application, response and key documents in front of you, and be ready to explain clearly what you are asking for.

What to prepare

Your application and any response, plus the QCAT reference number for your matter
Copies of all key documents - contracts, the lease or tenancy agreement, quotes, invoices, receipts, photos and relevant emails or letters
A short, clear summary of what happened in date order and what outcome you are asking the tribunal to make
Any directions already issued, so you can show the tribunal you have complied with each one
Details and statements of any witnesses, and confirmation they are available for the hearing
Enough copies for the tribunal and for each other party, organised so you can find each document quickly

When to get legal advice

QCAT is built so people can represent themselves, and for many minor civil, tenancy or fencing disputes you may not need a lawyer. Consider getting legal advice if your matter is complex or high-value, if it involves guardianship or administration, anti-discrimination, professional discipline, or a review of a government decision, if the other side is legally represented, or if you want to appeal a decision. Note that in many QCAT matters you need the tribunal's leave (permission) to be legally represented. Legal information tells you how the process works in general; legal advice applies the law to your specific facts and tells you what you should do. If you would like advice on your own circumstances, you can book a fixed-fee consultation with an admitted Australian lawyer through this service.

Where it is

Principal Registry: Level 11, 259 Queen Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000 (postal: GPO Box 1639, Brisbane Qld 4001). It is in the Brisbane CBD, a short walk from Central Station and well served by city buses. Check the QCAT website for your listing location, as some hearings are held at other Queensland venues or by telephone or video.

Official sources

QCAT - official website (home) ↗Contact us (registry address and phone) ↗After an application is made (civil dispute process) ↗Going to the tribunal (attending hearings) ↗

Frequently asked questions

What types of disputes can QCAT decide?

QCAT handles a wide range of civil and administrative matters, including minor civil disputes (such as debt and consumer or trader claims up to $25,000), residential tenancy disputes, building and domestic construction disputes, tree and dividing fence disputes, anti-discrimination and human rights complaints, guardianship and administration, professional discipline, and reviews of Queensland government agency decisions. If you are unsure whether your dispute fits, the QCAT website sets out each category.

How much can I claim in a minor civil dispute at QCAT?

Minor civil disputes are generally limited to claims of up to $25,000. These matters follow a more streamlined process and may be heard on the first listing, where the tribunal member often tries to help the parties settle before making a binding decision. If you are owed more than $25,000 you can choose to reduce your claim to $25,000 to use QCAT, or pursue the full amount in the relevant court instead.

Do I need a lawyer to go to QCAT?

No. QCAT is designed to be accessible, and many people represent themselves. In a number of QCAT matters you actually need the tribunal's leave (permission) to have a lawyer represent you. That said, legal advice can be valuable for complex, high-value or specialised matters such as guardianship, discrimination, professional discipline, decision reviews, or appeals.

What is a directions hearing and do I have to attend?

A directions hearing is a short procedural listing, usually around 15 minutes and often held by telephone, where the tribunal works out how your matter will proceed and sets timeframes and hearing dates. It does not decide your dispute and you do not need to bring witnesses, but you should attend (or dial in) and be ready to discuss the next steps.

What happens after I lodge my application?

After you lodge your application and pay the fee, you must serve a copy on the other party, who may file a response. QCAT often then issues directions setting out steps such as filing statements and evidence, and may require the parties to attend mediation or a compulsory conference to try to settle or narrow the dispute before any final hearing.

Will I have to attend mediation or a compulsory conference before my hearing?

In many matters, yes. Before a final hearing QCAT frequently directs the parties to attend mediation or a compulsory conference. These are confidential meetings aimed at settling the dispute or narrowing the issues, which can save time and cost. If the matter does not resolve, it proceeds to a final hearing.

How formal is a QCAT hearing?

QCAT proceedings are relatively informal compared with a court. The strict rules of evidence do not apply, many parties appear self-represented, and the member hears from both sides and any witnesses before making a decision. Even so, you should prepare your documents carefully, comply with all directions, and explain your case clearly.

Where is QCAT located and are all hearings held there?

The Principal Registry is at Level 11, 259 Queen Street, Brisbane Qld 4000 (postal GPO Box 1639, Brisbane Qld 4001), in the Brisbane CBD near Central Station. Not all hearings are held there - some take place at other Queensland venues or by telephone or video, so always check the listing details for your specific matter on the QCAT website.

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)