How to Respond to a QCAT Application: Defence Pack Essentials

When someone files an application against you at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), the clock can start immediately. In a minor debt claim, missing the 28-day response deadline lets the applicant ask for a decision by default, made without hearing from you.

For the forms, fees and each step, see our guide to making an QCAT application.

This guide covers how to respond to a QCAT application, including the timelines that apply, required documents, and how to structure your defence.

Understanding QCAT Response Deadlines

Only a minor debt claim needs a QCAT response (QCAT: responding to an application):

• Minor debt claim: 28 days from the date you were served to file Form 7, Response to minor civil dispute – minor debt
• Consumer and trader, tenancy or dividing fence dispute: no response is required, but you can file a reply or evidence up to 7 days before the hearing

Check the Notice of Application you received. It states your response deadline clearly. If unsure, call the QCAT registry on 1300 753 228.

What Happens If You Don’t Respond

In a minor debt claim, if you do not file Form 7 within 28 days, the applicant can lodge a request for a decision by default, and that decision is enforceable against you in the courts. If a decision by default is made, you can apply to have it set aside: you need to explain why a response was not filed in time and include your response to the original application.

In consumer and trader, tenancy and dividing fence disputes, the matter still goes to mediation or a hearing, and without your material QCAT has only the applicant’s side.

Required Documents for Your QCAT Response

Your response must include specific documents.

Form 7 — Response to minor civil dispute – minor debt

In a minor debt claim, Form 7 is the response you must file within 28 days of being served. In consumer and trader, tenancy and dividing fence disputes no response is required, but you can file a reply or evidence up to 7 days before the hearing. Either way, your response should cover:

• Your full name and contact details
• The application number (shown on the Notice of Application)
• Whether you admit, deny, or don’t know about each allegation
• Your version of events — a clear, chronological statement
• Any legal or factual grounds for your defence
• Whether you’re seeking any orders yourself (counterclaim)

Form 7 is available on QCAT’s forms page. Complete it in full. Vague or incomplete responses weaken your position.

Supporting Documents

Attach documents that support your defence:

• Contracts, invoices, receipts, or agreements
• Emails, text messages, or written correspondence
• Photos showing the condition of goods or property
• Bank statements or payment records
• Expert reports (building reports, repair quotes)
• Witness statements

Label each document clearly and reference it in your response.

Signing Your Response

Sign your response and make sure everything in it is true and correct. Making a false statement can result in penalties.

How to Structure Your Defence

A strong QCAT response follows a clear structure. Don’t just deny everything — explain your position with evidence.

Step 1: Address Each Allegation

Go through the applicant’s claims one by one. For each allegation, state whether you:

• Admit it — you agree the fact is true
• Deny it — you dispute the fact and explain why
• Don’t know — you have no knowledge of the matter (use sparingly)

Be specific. If the applicant claims you failed to deliver goods on 15 March, and you delivered them on 18 March, say so clearly.

Step 2: Tell Your Version of Events

After addressing the allegations, provide your own chronological account:

• What was agreed between the parties
• What you did or didn’t do, and when
• What went wrong, and whose fault it was
• Why you believe you’re not liable

Use plain language. Spell out your case clearly.

Step 3: Cite Relevant Law or Contract Terms

If your defence relies on a legal principle or contract clause, cite it:

• Australian Consumer Law — if the dispute involves goods or services
• Contract terms — point to the actual clause and explain why you didn’t breach it
• Limitation periods — if the claim may be out of time
• Exclusion clauses — if the contract limits your liability

You don’t need to write like a lawyer, but referencing the specific rule or clause strengthens your defence.

Step 4: Attach Your Evidence

Every factual claim should be backed by evidence. If you say you paid the invoice, attach the bank statement. If you say the goods were defective when delivered, attach photos.

Label each document clearly:

• Attachment A: Contract dated 10 January 2025
• Attachment B: Email from applicant dated 15 February 2025
• Attachment C: Photos of defective goods taken 20 February 2025

Reference these attachments in your response so the tribunal member can follow your argument.

Filing and Serving Your Response

Once your response or reply is complete, file it with QCAT and give the applicant a copy: QCAT says you must give a copy of any reply, evidence or counter application to QCAT and to the other parties.

Filing with QCAT

You can file your response:

• Online via the QCAT website (eFiling system)
• By post to the relevant QCAT registry
• In person at a QCAT registry office

There is typically no filing fee for responses in most QCAT matters.

Serving the Applicant

Give a copy to the applicant (or their representative). Acceptable methods:

• Email — if the applicant provided an email address
• Post — registered or ordinary post to their address
• In person — hand-delivered to the applicant

Keep proof of service (email confirmation, Australia Post receipt, or a statutory declaration if hand-delivered). You may need to prove you served the response on time.

What Happens After You File Your Response

Once QCAT receives your response, the matter moves to the next stage:

1. Directions hearing — QCAT may schedule a directions hearing to set timelines for evidence and set a hearing date
2. Mediation — in minor civil disputes, claims up to $10,000 are referred to mediation unless QCAT orders otherwise; claims over $10,000 and residential tenancy disputes are listed for hearing. A compulsory conference is used in a minor civil dispute only in exceptional circumstances
3. Final hearing — if the matter doesn’t settle, it proceeds to a hearing where both sides present evidence and arguments

You’ll receive notices from QCAT telling you what to do next. Read them carefully and comply with all directions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing the deadline — in a minor debt claim, missing the 28 days lets the applicant ask for a decision by default. If you need more time, apply for an extension before the deadline expires.

Incomplete response — leaving sections blank or providing vague answers weakens your case.

No evidence — saying “I paid the invoice” without attaching proof is not enough. The tribunal needs to see the evidence.

Emotional or aggressive language — stick to the facts. Personal attacks damage your credibility.

Ignoring the applicant’s evidence — if the applicant has attached documents that contradict your version, address them. Explain why their evidence is wrong or incomplete.

How Claim Done Helps with QCAT Responses

Claim Done’s Tribunal Response drafts your side of the case from your answers.

You complete a short intake form, tell us about the QCAT application and your supporting documents, and our Programmatic Algorithms draft four separate A4 PDFs in about 5 minutes:

• A response summary
• A defence position statement
• A chronology
• An evidence list

In a minor debt claim, they support the Form 7 you complete and file yourself; in other disputes, they are the reply and evidence you file before the hearing. Claim Done does not complete QCAT forms, compile an evidence bundle, or lodge, file or serve anything for you. It’s not legal advice.

Fixed fee: $129 — no subscription, no hourly billing.

But for straightforward QCAT responses where you know your facts and have your evidence ready, Claim Done gets the job done fast.

Final Checklist Before Filing

Before you file your QCAT response, check:

• [ ] Your response (Form 7 in a minor debt claim) is fully completed and signed
• [ ] You’ve addressed every allegation made by the applicant
• [ ] Your version of events is clear and chronological
• [ ] All supporting documents are attached and labelled
• [ ] You’ve cited relevant contract terms or legislation where applicable
• [ ] In a minor debt claim, you’re filing Form 7 within 28 days; otherwise, any reply or evidence goes in at least 7 days before the hearing
• [ ] You’ve kept a copy of everything for your records
• [ ] You’ve given the applicant a copy of what you file

If you can tick every box, you’re ready to file.

Ready to Respond?

Don’t let a QCAT application go unanswered. In a minor debt claim, a response filed on time is your protection against a decision by default.

If you need a professionally drafted QCAT response prepared fast, prepare your QCAT defence pack with Claim Done — your response summary, defence position statement, chronology and evidence list in about 5 minutes for a flat fee of $129.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the 28-day QCAT response deadline?

The 28-day deadline applies to minor debt claims. If you miss it, the applicant can lodge a request for a decision by default, and that decision is enforceable against you in the courts. If a decision by default is made, you can apply to have it set aside: you need to explain why a response was not filed in time and include your response to the original application.

Can I file a counterclaim in my QCAT response?

In tenancy, consumer and trader and dividing fence disputes, yes: file a counter application on Form 8 (Minor civil dispute – counter application), which carries a fee. You cannot file a counter application in a minor debt dispute. State clearly what orders you’re seeking and provide evidence supporting your claim.

Do I need a lawyer to respond to a QCAT application?

No. QCAT is designed for self-represented parties, and most people respond without a lawyer.

What if I don't have all my evidence ready by the response deadline?

File your response on time with the evidence you have, and note in your response that further evidence will be provided. You can usually file additional documents later, but missing the response deadline is far more serious than filing incomplete evidence initially.

Can I settle the matter after filing my QCAT response?

Yes. Many QCAT matters settle after responses are filed, either at mediation or through direct negotiation. If you reach an agreement, you can ask QCAT to make consent orders or dismiss the application.