Case types

QCAT deals with a wide range cases in the following matter types

Building and construction

QCAT hears disputes related to domestic and commercial building work and review of QBCC decisions.

Children and young people

QCAT reviews various decisions relating to children and young people including care decisions and decisions relating to blue cards, schools and institutions and adoption cases.

Clinical Research

Clinical research that includes persons with impaired decision-making capacity must be approved by QCAT.

Consumers, traders and businesses

QCAT considers disputes relating to consumers and traders, retail shop leases, motor vehicles and claim funds claims relating to property agents and others.

Community living and body corporate disputes

QCAT hears disputes related to manufactured homes, retirement villages and body corporate matters.

Decision-making for Adults with impaired capacity

QCAT decides applications about Adults who may have impaired decision-making capacity.

Minor debt disputes

Debt disputes involve disagreements with another person, business or company about a fixed or agreed sum of money, valued up to and including $25,000.

Discipline and regulation of professionals

QCAT conducts disciplinary and review proceedings involving various professionals such as health and legal practitioners, teachers, police, building certifiers, racing personnel and other professionals.

Discrimination complaints

QCAT hears complaints of alleged unlawful discrimination after they have been referred to QCAT by the Queensland Human Rights Commission and exemptions under the law.

Racing Appeals

Learn how to appeal a decision of the Racing Appeal Panel with QCAT.

Residential tenancy disputes

QCAT can assist with disputes between tenants, landlords, lessors or agents; and residents, providers of/agents for rooming accommodation.

Review of government agency decisions

QCAT reviews a wide range of administrative decisions from various government agencies, officers, regulatory authorities and registrars.

Review of a voluntary assisted dying decision

Learn about reviewing a voluntary assisted dying decision and the application process.

Right to information and privacy complaints

QCAT considers appeals relating to decisions about access to information and privacy complaints under the Right to Information Act 2009 and Information Privacy Act 2009.

Special health care

Some medical procedures and health care require consent from the Supreme Court or QCAT.

Tree and fence disputes

QCAT deals with a range of tree, fence and overhanging branch disputes.

Other case types not listed

QCAT considers a large variety of case types. There are some case types that are not listed on the website. Find out what to do if your case type is not listed and how to apply.

Help and further information

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)’s registry is here to administer your matter and provide general information. Please see below what registry staff can and cannot do to assist with your matter.

Registry staff can:

* answer questions about QCAT processes

* provide information about QCAT’s different types of forms that are available for your consideration

* provide you with information and support about how to lodge an application

* refer and/or process any request to access the QCAT register of proceedings (a publicly available list of QCAT cases) or the record of proceedings (the case files themselves)

* advise on fees and allowances, and how to apply for a waiver of fees

* guide you in checking your forms are complete before lodgement (e.g. signed in the correct places)

* give you information on legal organisations that could help.

Registry staff cannot:

* provide legal advice

* advise on whether you should submit an application and whether you are filing under the correct legal area (eg minor civil dispute – consumer or trader or minor civil dispute – minor debt)

* tell you if you should lodge an appeal or a counter-application

* recommend a specific lawyer to assist you

* instruct you on how to word your application, supporting documents or what to say at a proceeding

* contact a QCAT member or adjudicator directly on your behalf

* predict likely outcomes of a case or appeal

* help you prepare your case

* advise what orders or decisions you should seek

* explain what you should do to follow QCAT directions

* recommend your next steps regarding enforcing an order or tribunal decision

* advise on exact timeframes for resolution of a matter – this depends on your individual matter

For Legal advice:

* Contact the private solicitor of your choice

* Use Queensland Law Society’s Find a Solicitor service.

* Contact Legal Aid Queensland on 1300 65 11 88

* Contact Community Legal Centres Queensland for details on your local community legal centre on 07 3392 0092

For assistance in legal proceedings:

LawRight Court and QCAT Services

LawRight is an independent, non-profit community based legal organisation that coordinates pro bono legal services for individuals and community groups. Parties with proceedings in QCAT may be able to obtain assistance from LawRight’s Court & Tribunal Services to self-represent or in limited circumstances, be given representation.

If you are unsure if you are eligible for assistance from LawRight or wish to make an enquiry, contact the service by phone on 07 3564 7561 or by email at qcat.cts@lawright.org.au or by writing to PO Box 12217, George Street QLD 4003.

To apply for help from LawRight, please complete the application form here. If you are unable to complete the online form, contact LawRight to discuss alternative arrangements

Community legal centres

Caxton Legal Centre
The Caxton Legal Centre is an independent, non-profit community organisation providing free legal and social work advice, assistance and referrals to the general public. Please note that the Caxton Legal Centre does not provide advice about building or other business and commercial disputes.

Women's Legal Service
Women's Legal Service is a community legal centre that provides free legal advice and information to women in Queensland.

Youth Advocacy Centre
The Youth Advocacy Centre offers free confidential legal and welfare assistance to young people under 17 years who live in or around Brisbane. Telephone support is also provided to young people outside of Brisbane and throughout Queensland.

Last updated:
21 February 2024