How to File a Tribunal Application in Queensland Without a Lawyer

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) is designed for Queenslanders to resolve disputes without needing a lawyer. If you have a consumer complaint, tenancy dispute, minor debt claim, or other civil matter within QCAT’s jurisdiction, you can file your own application and represent yourself at the hearing.

This guide covers which form to use, how much it costs, how to lodge it, and what happens after QCAT receives your application.

When to use QCAT

QCAT handles civil and administrative disputes across Queensland. Common matters include:

• Consumer disputes — faulty goods, defective services, refund claims
• Tenancy disputes — bond claims, repairs, lease breaches (residential and commercial)
• Minor civil disputes — debts and damages up to $25,000
• Building disputes — defective work, contract breaches (domestic building work only)
• Neighbourhood disputes — trees, fences, noise
• Administrative review — decisions made by Queensland government departments

QCAT does not handle family law, criminal matters, personal injury claims, or employment disputes. Those go to other courts or tribunals.

Which QCAT form to use

QCAT has different application forms depending on the dispute type:

• Form 1 — Application — most civil disputes, consumer claims, minor debts
• Form 18R — Application (residential tenancy) — rental bond disputes, repairs, lease breaches
• Form 34 — Application (minor civil dispute) — debts or damages under $25,000
• Form 23 — Application (trees) — tree disputes

All QCAT forms are available for free download from the QCAT website at qcat.qld.gov.au. Choose the form that matches your dispute type. If you are unsure, the QCAT registry can advise which form applies.

Each form requires you to:

• Identify yourself as the applicant
• Identify the respondent (the person or company you are claiming against)
• Describe the dispute clearly
• State what you want QCAT to order
• Attach supporting documents (contracts, invoices, photos, correspondence)

QCAT filing fees

QCAT charges a filing fee when you lodge your application. The fee varies depending on the dispute type and amount claimed.

Standard fees in 2025 are typically:

• Minor civil disputes (under $5,000) — $122.90
• Minor civil disputes ($5,000 to $25,000) — $306.60
• Consumer disputes — $122.90
• Residential tenancy disputes — $35.85
• Administrative review — $61.45

Fee exemptions and concessions are available if you hold a current Centrelink concession card or can demonstrate financial hardship. Apply for a fee waiver at the time of lodgement.

How to file your QCAT application

QCAT accepts applications in three ways:

Online filing (QCAT Online)

The fastest method. Create an account at qcat.qld.gov.au, complete the online form, upload your supporting documents, and pay the filing fee by credit card. You receive instant confirmation and a reference number.

Online filing is available for most dispute types, including minor civil disputes, consumer claims, and residential tenancy matters.

By post

Print the completed form, attach copies of your supporting documents, and include a cheque or money order for the filing fee (payable to QCAT). Mail to:

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal GPO Box 1639 Brisbane QLD 4001

Processing typically takes 5-7 business days. QCAT will send you a receipt and reference number by post or email.

In person

Lodge your application at any QCAT registry office during business hours. Registries are located in Brisbane, Southport, Maroochydore, Townsville, Rockhampton, Cairns and Toowoomba.

Pay the filing fee by cash, EFTPOS, or credit card. You receive a stamped copy of your application and a reference number immediately.

What happens after you file

Once QCAT receives your application:

QCAT reviews your application

The registry checks that your form is complete, the filing fee is paid, and the matter falls within QCAT’s jurisdiction. If anything is missing, QCAT will contact you.

QCAT serves the respondent

QCAT sends a copy of your application and supporting documents to the respondent by post or email. The respondent has 28 days to file a response.

Directions or compulsory conference

For most disputes, QCAT schedules a compulsory conference — an informal meeting where a QCAT member helps both parties try to settle the matter without a hearing. Conferences are usually held by phone or videolink.

If the dispute does not settle at conference, QCAT will issue directions for the next steps — exchange of evidence, witness statements, expert reports, or a hearing date.

Hearing

If the matter proceeds to hearing, both parties present their case to a QCAT member. You can give evidence, call witnesses, and submit documents. The respondent does the same.

QCAT hearings are less formal than court, but you must still follow the rules of evidence and procedure.

Decision

After the hearing, QCAT issues a written decision (called an “order”). The order is legally binding. If the respondent does not comply, you can enforce the order through the Queensland Magistrates Court.

The entire process from filing to decision typically takes 3-6 months, depending on the complexity of the dispute and the QCAT registry’s workload.

Tips for filing without a lawyer

• Be specific — clearly describe what happened, when it happened, and what you want QCAT to order
• Attach evidence — contracts, invoices, receipts, photos, emails, text messages
• Keep it simple — explain your case in plain language
• Meet deadlines — QCAT sets strict timeframes for filing responses, evidence, and witness statements
• Attend the conference — most disputes settle at the compulsory conference
• Prepare for the hearing — organise your evidence, prepare a short opening statement, and know what questions to ask the respondent

QCAT is designed for self-representation, but complex disputes (especially those involving large sums, technical evidence, or multiple parties) may benefit from legal advice before filing.

How Claim Done helps with QCAT applications

ClaimDone prepares your entire QCAT application pack in 60 minutes — the completed form, a detailed statement of claim, and a supporting affidavit template. You upload the evidence, answer a few questions, and our Proprietary AI Engine generates a professionally formatted application citing the applicable Queensland legislation.

You receive everything ready to file with QCAT online, by post, or in person.

ClaimDone handles:

• Minor civil disputes (debts and damages up to $25,000)
• Consumer disputes
• Contract breach claims
• Property damage claims
• Defective goods and services claims

Flat fee of $197. No subscription. No hidden costs. Australia-wide service with Queensland-specific formatting.

Final steps before lodgement

Before you file your QCAT application, double-check:

• The respondent’s correct legal name and address (for a company, check the ASIC register)
• All supporting documents are attached and clearly labelled
• The filing fee is correct for your dispute type
• You have kept a copy of everything for your records
• You are within the limitation period (typically 6 years for contract and consumer claims in Queensland)

Once filed, QCAT takes over the process. You will receive updates by email or post at each stage.

When to get legal advice

QCAT is accessible and cost-effective for most disputes, but some matters are too complex or high-value to handle alone. Consider consulting a Queensland lawyer if:

• The amount in dispute exceeds $25,000
• The respondent has engaged a lawyer
• The dispute involves technical expert evidence (engineering, medical, accounting)
• You are unsure whether your matter falls within QCAT’s jurisdiction
• The respondent has filed a counterclaim against you

For straightforward consumer complaints, tenancy disputes, and minor debts, self-representation at QCAT is common and effective.

Get your QCAT application prepared today

Use the right form, pay the filing fee, attach your evidence, and lodge online, by post, or in person. QCAT will guide the matter through to a decision.

ClaimDone generates your entire QCAT application pack — form, statement of claim, and affidavit template — in 60 minutes based on the evidence you upload. Flat fee of $197, fast turnaround, Queensland-specific formatting. Prepare your tribunal application with ClaimDone and file with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a QCAT application take from filing to decision?

Most QCAT matters take 3-6 months from filing to final decision, depending on the complexity of the dispute and whether it settles at the compulsory conference. Simple consumer disputes may resolve faster, while complex building or administrative review matters can take longer.

Can I represent myself at a QCAT hearing?

Yes. QCAT is designed for self-representation. You do not need a lawyer to file an application or appear at a hearing. QCAT members will guide you through the process, but you are responsible for presenting your evidence and making your case clearly.

What happens if the respondent does not file a response?

If the respondent does not file a response within 28 days, QCAT may proceed to make a decision in your favour based on the evidence you have provided. However, QCAT will usually give the respondent an opportunity to explain the delay before making a final order.

Can I appeal a QCAT decision?

Yes, but only on a question of law. Appeals are lodged with the Queensland Court of Appeal within 28 days of the QCAT decision. You cannot appeal simply because you disagree with the outcome — there must be a legal error in the decision.

Do I need to attend the QCAT compulsory conference?

Yes. Attendance at the compulsory conference is mandatory unless QCAT grants an exemption. Most disputes settle at the conference, so it is in your interest to attend and negotiate in good faith. Conferences are usually held by phone or videolink.