QCAT vs NCAT vs VCAT — Which Australian Tribunal Do I Need? | Claim Done
QCAT vs NCAT vs VCAT — Which Tribunal Do You Need?
Australia has a civil and administrative tribunal in every state and territory. They are designed to handle disputes without the cost and formality of going to court. Which tribunal you use depends on where you are — not where the other party is located.
Australian tribunal comparison
| Tribunal | State | Civil claim limit | Approx. filing fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal) | NSW | $30,000 | $40 – $200 |
| VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) | VIC | $100,000 | $68 – $800 |
| QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) | QLD | $25,000 | $30 – $400 |
| SAT (State Administrative Tribunal) | WA | Varies by division | $100 – $500 |
| SACAT (SA Civil and Administrative Tribunal) | SA | $12,000 (minor civil) | $50 – $300 |
| ACAT (ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal) | ACT | $25,000 | $60 – $300 |
| NTCAT (NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal) | NT | $25,000 | $50 – $200 |
NCAT — New South Wales
NCAT’s Consumer and Commercial Division handles disputes up to $30,000. Legal representation is generally not permitted in the Small Claims jurisdiction (under $10,000) without leave. Most hearings for smaller claims are conducted by phone or video conference. NCAT also handles tenancy disputes, building matters and professional conduct complaints.
VCAT — Victoria
VCAT has one of the highest civil claim limits of any Australian tribunal at $100,000. The Civil Claims List handles debt recovery, consumer disputes and general civil matters. The Small Claims List (under $10,000) is designed for self-represented parties. VCAT is frequently used for retail tenancy, building, and veterinary complaints.
QCAT — Queensland
QCAT’s Minor Civil Disputes division handles claims up to $25,000. Parties are generally self-represented. QCAT also handles tenancy matters, consumer disputes, and anti-discrimination complaints. Hearings are increasingly conducted online, which is convenient for regional applicants.
Do you need a lawyer at a tribunal?
No — and in most divisions, legal representation is actually restricted. Australian civil and administrative tribunals are specifically designed to be accessible without legal representation. The hearing process is informal, and the tribunal member (not a judge) assists both parties to present their case.
What to prepare for a tribunal application
- Application form — specific to your state’s tribunal
- Evidence bundle — invoices, contracts, photos, correspondence
- Witness statement — your first-person account of events
- Proof you sent a letter of demand — most tribunals require this first
Claim Done prepares everything — $197
Claim Done’s AI prepares your complete tribunal application for the correct state tribunal: application form, evidence bundle formatted for submission, and a witness statement drafted from your account. Start your application — $197.
Approximate filing fees by tribunal
| Tribunal | Under $3,000 | $3,000–$10,000 | $10,000–$25,000 | $25,000–$100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QCAT (QLD) | $28 | $28 | $74 | $230 |
| NCAT (NSW) | $34 | $86 | $158 | $328 |
| VCAT (VIC) | $62 | $62 | $112 | $284 |
| SAT (WA) | $55 | $92 | $214 | $428 |
| SACAT (SA) | $50 | $50 | $100 | $250 |
| ACAT (ACT) | $70 | $70 | $141 | $261 |
Fees are approximate and subject to change. Concession rates available in most states. Check each tribunal website for current fees.
Typical hearing timeframes
- QCAT: Minor debt matters typically listed within 6–10 weeks of filing
- NCAT: Consumer and commercial matters typically 8–14 weeks
- VCAT: Minor cases typically 6–12 weeks
- SAT (WA): Typically 8–12 weeks for minor civil matters
Can I use a different state’s tribunal?
No. You must file in the tribunal of the state where the respondent resides or carries on business, or where the relevant contract was performed. You cannot choose a more convenient state. Claim Done automatically selects the correct tribunal based on your state.
Complete tribunal application package — all states — from $197