The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) is an independent, accessible tribunal that efficiently resolves disputes on a range of matters.
The tribunal’s purpose is to provide a quick, inexpensive avenue to resolve disputes between parties and make decisions.
If you attend QCAT about a dispute, you are expected to represent yourself. This is central to their ability to deliver efficient, cost-effective justice services.
If you want a lawyer or other individual to represent you, you need to apply for permission from the tribunal.
Within these jurisdictions, we help resolve a variety of matters such as residential tenancy, neighbourhood dispute and guardianship matters.
To apply to QCAT:
You may need to give copies of the documentation to all parties involved in the dispute. Read the form carefully to ensure you provide the correct number of copies.
Disputes can be resolved through hearing, mediation or compulsory conference.
Mediation helps parties reach an agreement through an independent mediator’s guidance.
Compulsory conferences help parties reach an agreement or clarify matters pre-hearing with the support of a QCAT member or adjudicator. The outcome is a written agreement or enforceable order.
QCAT members and adjudicators hear matters and make decisions about matters.
Many QCAT members are part of the legal profession. Otherwise they have substantial, relevant experience in a particular profession that qualifies them to hear matters in those areas, such as legal, retail shop lease or children’s matters.
Adjudicators are solicitors who hear minor civil disputes and other types of matters.
Mediators help parties come to an agreement about their matters. Mediators are QCAT and Department of Justice and Attorney-General staff who are accredited under the National Mediator Accreditation System.
Justices of the Peace hear non-urgent minor civil disputes under $5,000 in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich, Maroochydore and Townsville.
In Brisbane, QCAT’s proceedings are held in their CBD offices located at 259 Queen St. Regional services are hosted in local magistrates courts.
You will be sent a letter advising when and where your proceeding will take place. If you are outside Brisbane, this is usually the magistrates court building where you lodged your application.
You can also apply to attend by phone or videoconference. Your application must be received at least 3 days before the proceeding.
Depending on if you are attending a hearing, compulsory conference or mediation, there are slightly different guidelines regarding preparation, attendance and outcomes.
General advice includes:
Outcomes depend on the type of proceeding, its content and conduct and the decision-making requirements.
LawRight provides free legal advice for Queenslanders, including QCAT clients.
Court Network helps people navigate court facilities and processes throughout Queensland, including QCAT Brisbane and the magistrates courts.
You can apply to be represented at a QCAT hearing. This can be granted if the party is a government agency or the matter is deemed complex.
In some cases, representation is automatically approved. This is usually:
QCAT decisions and agreements are legally binding and enforceable.