How to Prepare for QCAT

A practical guide for people representing themselves at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

What is QCAT?

QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) is an independent tribunal that resolves disputes in Queensland. It is designed to be accessible, affordable, and less formal than a court. Most people at QCAT represent themselves without a lawyer.

QCAT was established under the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld) and began operating on 1 December 2009, replacing several earlier tribunals.

What types of disputes does QCAT handle?

QCAT handles a wide range of matters, including:

• Minor civil disputes — debts, property damage, faulty goods or services (up to $25,000).
• Tenancy disputes — bond claims, repairs, breach of tenancy agreements, evictions.
• Consumer disputes — complaints about products, services, or traders.
• Administrative review — decisions by government agencies (licensing, permits, approvals).
• Building disputes — defective work, incomplete projects, payment disputes.
• Tree disputes — overhanging branches, dangerous trees, damage from neighbouring trees.
• Guardianship and administration — matters about adults who may need support with decision-making.

How to file an application

To start a matter at QCAT, you lodge an application. The general process is:

1. Identify the correct application form for your type of dispute.
2. Complete the form with details of your claim and the outcome you want.
3. Attach any supporting documents (contracts, invoices, photos, correspondence).
4. Pay the filing fee (concession rates are available; fee waivers may be granted in cases of financial hardship).
5. Lodge the form online, by post, or in person at a QCAT registry.

Application forms, filing fees, and lodgement instructions are available on the QCAT website.

What to expect at a hearing

QCAT hearings are less formal than court proceedings, but they follow a structured process:

• A tribunal member (not a jury) will hear both sides.
• Each party has the opportunity to present their case, call witnesses, and show evidence.
• The other party can ask questions about your evidence.
• The member may ask questions to clarify facts.
• A decision may be given on the day or reserved for a later date.

Practical tips

• Arrive early. Bring multiple copies of all documents (one for yourself, one for the tribunal, one for the other party).
• Organise your documents in chronological order with a list of contents.
• Be respectful and address the member as "Member" or by their title.
• Stick to the facts. Focus on what happened, when, and what evidence supports your position.
• If you do not understand a question, ask for it to be repeated.

Learn from others

QCAT matters cover a huge range of everyday disputes. Other people may have been through something very similar to your situation.

Visit the community section to see what others have experienced and what they learned along the way.

Search for similar QCAT cases

Not sure how QCAT has decided cases like yours? Search our database of Australian court and tribunal decisions to find relevant cases.

Search QCAT cases