How to Lodge a Tribunal Application in Queensland Without a Lawyer

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) handles disputes up to $25,000 without needing a lawyer. If someone owes you money, sold you defective goods, damaged your property, or breached a contract, you can lodge a QCAT application yourself.

What QCAT handles

QCAT’s Minor Civil Disputes jurisdiction covers:

• Unpaid debts — money owed under a contract, invoice, or loan
• Consumer disputes — defective goods or services
• Property damage — compensation for damage caused by another person or business
• Breach of contract — written or verbal agreements that have been broken
• Rental bond disputes — if the RTA has not resolved your bond claim

QCAT does not handle family law, criminal matters, or personal injury claims.

Before you lodge

Send a letter of demand

QCAT expects you to try resolving the dispute before filing. A letter of demand must:

• State the amount owed or the remedy you want
• Explain why the other party is liable
• Give them a reasonable deadline to respond (typically 14 days)
• Warn that you will lodge a QCAT application if they do not comply

If you skip this step, QCAT may adjourn your hearing and order you to send one first.

Gather your evidence

Collect everything that supports your claim:

• Contracts, invoices, receipts, quotes
• Emails, text messages, letters
• Photos or videos of defective goods or property damage
• Bank statements showing payments made

QCAT hearings are informal, but evidence still matters.

Identify the respondent correctly

You must name the correct legal entity. Common mistakes include:

• Suing a trading name instead of the registered company (check ABN lookup or ASIC register)
• Suing an individual when the debt is owed by their company
• Misspelling the respondent’s name

Get it wrong and QCAT may dismiss your application, or you may win a judgment you cannot enforce.

Which QCAT form to use

For most money claims, you need Form 2 — Application for minor civil dispute. Download it from the QCAT website (qcat.qld.gov.au).

The form asks for:

• Your details — name, address, contact number, email
• Respondent’s details — full legal name, address
• Claim amount — the total you are claiming
• Brief description of the dispute — what happened, why the respondent is liable
• Remedy sought — typically a money order

Keep the description clear and factual. Explain the dispute in plain language.

QCAT fees (2025)

Filing fees depend on the claim amount:

• Up to $5,000 — $122.90
• $5,001 to $10,000 — $245.80
• $10,001 to $25,000 — $491.60

If you hold a pension or Health Care Card, you may be eligible for a fee waiver or reduction. Attach a copy of your concession card to the application.

Fees are non-refundable.

How to lodge your application

Online (preferred)

Lodge through the QCAT Online Registry at qcat.qld.gov.au. You will need:

• A scanned copy of your completed Form 2
• Scanned copies of your supporting documents
• A credit or debit card to pay the filing fee

The system confirms lodgement immediately and emails you a receipt.

By post

Mail your completed Form 2, supporting documents, and a cheque or money order to:

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal GPO Box 1639 Brisbane QLD 4001

Mark the envelope “Minor Civil Dispute Application”. Allow 5-7 business days for processing.

In person

Lodge at any QCAT registry:

• Brisbane — Level 9, 259 Queen Street
• Southport — Level 1, 21 Lawson Street
• Cairns — Level 5, Cairns Corporate Tower, 15 Lake Street
• Townsville — Level 5, Northtown, 280 Flinders Street
• Rockhampton — Level 3, Rockhampton Magistrates Court, 86 East Street
• Toowoomba — Level 2, Toowoomba Magistrates Court, 66 Margaret Street

Bring your completed form, supporting documents, and payment.

What happens after you lodge

QCAT registers your application

QCAT reviews your application to ensure the form is completed correctly, the claim is within jurisdiction, and you have paid the correct fee.

If there is a problem, QCAT will contact you. Otherwise, your application is registered and allocated a case number.

QCAT serves the respondent

QCAT sends the respondent a copy of your application and a notice to file a response within 28 days. The respondent can:

• Admit the claim — agree to pay or comply with your demand
• Dispute the claim — file a response explaining why they do not owe you anything
• Make a counterclaim — claim that you owe them money

If the respondent does not respond, you can apply for a default judgment.

Directions hearing or final hearing

If the respondent disputes your claim, QCAT may schedule:

• A directions hearing — a short conference to clarify the issues and set a timetable for evidence
• A final hearing — the full hearing where both parties present their case

Most QCAT hearings are held by phone or video.

QCAT makes a decision

After the hearing, QCAT issues a written decision. If you win, the decision orders the respondent to pay you or comply with your demand.

If the respondent still does not pay, you can enforce the QCAT order through the Queensland Magistrates Court.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not sending a demand letter first — QCAT expects you to try resolving the dispute before filing
• Lodging against the wrong party — check ABN lookup or ASIC register to confirm the correct legal name
• Missing the limitation period — most claims must be lodged within 6 years of the dispute arising
• Not keeping copies — always keep a copy of your application and all supporting documents
• Ignoring QCAT directions — comply with all orders or risk having your application dismissed

How ClaimDone helps

ClaimDone prepares your QCAT application in 60 minutes. Upload your evidence, answer a few questions, and our Proprietary AI Engine drafts a complete Form 2 citing the applicable law — formatted for lodgement.

You still lodge the application yourself (online, by post, or in person), but ClaimDone does the drafting, organises the evidence, and ensures the form is completed correctly.

What you get:

• Completed QCAT Form 2 ready to lodge
• Supporting affidavit template (if needed)
• Evidence summary and exhibit list
• Plain-language guide to lodging and what happens next

ClaimDone does not give legal advice and is not a law firm. For complex, high-value, or urgent matters, consult a Queensland lawyer.

Final checklist before lodging

• [ ] Letter of demand sent and deadline passed
• [ ] Correct respondent identified (full legal name and address)
• [ ] All supporting documents collected and organised
• [ ] Form 2 completed accurately
• [ ] Filing fee paid (or concession card attached)
• [ ] Copy of application and documents kept for your records

Once lodged, QCAT takes over the process. You will be notified of the next steps by email or post.

Ready to lodge your QCAT application?

ClaimDone prepares your QCAT application in 60 minutes — complete Form 2, supporting affidavit, and evidence summary ready to lodge. Upload your documents, answer a few questions, and get a tribunal-ready application without paying a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does QCAT take to hear my case?

Most minor civil disputes are heard within 3-6 months of lodgement. Simple cases may be resolved sooner, especially if the respondent admits the claim or does not file a response.

Can I lodge a QCAT application if the respondent lives interstate?

Yes, if the dispute occurred in Queensland or the contract was made in Queensland. QCAT can hear cases involving interstate respondents, but enforcement may require registering the order in another state.

What happens if the respondent does not respond to my QCAT application?

You can apply for a default judgment. QCAT will review your application and, if satisfied, make an order in your favour without a hearing. The respondent then has 28 days to apply to set aside the default judgment.

Do I need a lawyer to represent me at QCAT?

No. QCAT hearings are designed for self-representation. You can bring a support person or McKenzie friend, but legal representation is generally not allowed in minor civil disputes unless QCAT grants permission.

Can I appeal a QCAT decision?

Yes, but only on a question of law. You must lodge an appeal to the Queensland Court of Appeal within 28 days of the QCAT decision. Appeals are complex and typically require a lawyer.