How to Draft Legal Submissions for QCAT Without a Lawyer

If you are representing yourself at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), written submissions are often your best chance to present your case clearly. QCAT hearings are designed to be accessible, but accessible does not mean unprepared.

Written submissions tell the tribunal what your dispute is about, what evidence supports your position, and what outcome you are seeking. This guide explains what QCAT expects, how to structure your submissions, and how to reference evidence properly.

What Are Legal Submissions?

Legal submissions are a written document you file with QCAT (and serve on the other party) that sets out your case in a structured format. They are not a rant or a story. They are a formal argument that:

• States the facts relevant to your dispute
• Identifies the legal issues or tribunal rules that apply
• References the evidence that supports your version of events
• Explains why the tribunal should decide in your favour

QCAT does not require submissions in every case, but they are strongly encouraged in matters involving:

• Minor civil disputes over $5,000
• Residential tenancy disputes with contested facts
• Retail shop lease disputes
• Building and construction matters
• Debt recovery claims with a defence filed

Even if the tribunal does not require them, filing clear written submissions shows you are organised and serious.

What QCAT Expects

QCAT is an informal tribunal, but the member hearing your case still expects:

Clarity over cleverness. Write in plain English. Avoid legal jargon unless you are citing a specific statute. If you must use a legal term, explain it.

Facts before argument. Start with what happened, in chronological order. Then explain why those facts support your position.

Evidence for every claim. If you say the other party did something, reference the document, photo, email, or witness statement that proves it.

Respect for the other side. Do not call the other party a liar or incompetent. Stick to what the evidence shows.

A clear request for relief. Tell the tribunal exactly what you want — a refund, compensation, an order for repairs, termination of a lease.

Structure of QCAT Legal Submissions

A good QCAT submission follows a logical structure. Here is the format that works:

1. Heading and Introduction

Start with a heading that identifies the parties and the QCAT reference number:

IN THE QUEENSLAND CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL MINOR CIVIL DISPUTES JURISDICTION QCAT Reference: MCD123/2025 Between: [Your Name] (Applicant) And: [Other Party Name] (Respondent)

APPLICANT’S WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS

Then write a short introduction (2-3 sentences) that states what the dispute is about and what you are asking the tribunal to do.

Example: “This is a claim for $8,500 for defective building work. The Applicant engaged the Respondent to waterproof a bathroom. The work was not completed to Australian Standards and caused water damage. The Applicant seeks an order for the Respondent to pay the cost of rectification.”

2. Background and Chronology

Set out the key facts in date order. Keep it factual.

Example:

• 12 March 2024: Applicant and Respondent signed a written contract for bathroom waterproofing (Exhibit A)
• 20 March 2024: Respondent commenced work
• 5 April 2024: Respondent stated work was complete
• 10 April 2024: Applicant noticed water leaking into the ceiling below
• 15 April 2024: Independent building inspector report confirmed defective waterproofing (Exhibit B)
• 20 April 2024: Applicant sent letter of demand requesting rectification (Exhibit C)
• 30 April 2024: Respondent refused to return to site

3. Legal Issues

Identify the legal basis for your claim. In most QCAT matters, this will be:

• Breach of contract
• Breach of the Australian Consumer Law — goods or services not fit for purpose, not of acceptable quality
• Breach of residential tenancy legislation
• Breach of retail shop lease legislation

You do not need to write a legal essay. A short paragraph is enough:

“The Respondent’s work breached the contract and the Australian Consumer Law. Services must be provided with due care and skill and be fit for purpose. The waterproofing was not compliant with Australian Standards and caused damage. The Applicant is entitled to the cost of rectification.”

4. Evidence

This is where you connect the facts to your exhibits. Reference each piece of evidence clearly:

• Use exhibit letters or numbers (A, B, C or 1, 2, 3)
• Describe what the exhibit is
• Explain what it proves

Example:

“Exhibit A is the signed contract dated 12 March 2024. It shows the Respondent agreed to waterproof the bathroom for $4,200.

Exhibit B is the independent building inspector’s report dated 15 April 2024. The report confirms the waterproofing membrane was not installed correctly and does not comply with Australian Standards.

Exhibit C is the Applicant’s letter of demand sent on 20 April 2024. The Respondent did not respond.”

If you have witness statements, reference them the same way:

“The Applicant’s witness statement (Exhibit D) sets out the full chronology and attaches photos of the water damage.”

5. Submissions (Your Argument)

Now explain why the evidence supports your claim:

“The Respondent was engaged to provide waterproofing services. The work was defective and caused damage. The independent report (Exhibit B) confirms the membrane was not installed to Australian Standards. The Applicant is entitled to the cost of rectification, which is $8,500 based on the quote from [licensed builder] (Exhibit E). The Respondent has refused to fix the defects despite being given the opportunity.”

Keep it short. If the evidence is clear, the tribunal will follow.

6. Relief Sought

End with a clear statement of what you want the tribunal to order:

“The Applicant seeks an order that the Respondent pay $8,500 to the Applicant, being the cost of rectifying the defective waterproofing work.”

Or:

“The Applicant seeks an order that the Respondent refund the bond of $2,400 within 7 days.”

Be specific. If you want interest, say so. If you want costs, say so (though QCAT rarely awards costs in minor disputes).

How to Reference Evidence Properly

QCAT members read dozens of submissions. Make their job easy:

• Label everything. Use Exhibit A, Exhibit B, etc. or Attachment 1, Attachment 2.
• Describe the exhibit. “Exhibit A is the signed contract” not “Exhibit A speaks for itself.”
• Explain what it proves. “This email shows the Respondent acknowledged the defect on 10 May.”
• Point to the relevant page or paragraph if the document is long.

If you are referring to a photo, describe what it shows:

“Exhibit F, photo 3, shows water staining on the ceiling below the bathroom, taken on 10 April 2024.”

If you are referring to an email chain, identify the specific email and date:

“Exhibit G is the email from the Respondent dated 15 March 2024 confirming the scope of work.”

Tone and Style

QCAT submissions should be professional but not pompous. Write like you are explaining the situation to a reasonable person who does not know the background.

Do:

• Use short sentences
• Use headings and numbered paragraphs
• Stick to the facts
• Be respectful

Do not:

• Use legal jargon you do not understand
• Make personal attacks
• Exaggerate or dramatise
• Include irrelevant background

If you are angry about the situation, take a breath before you write. Emotion does not win tribunal cases. Evidence does.

How Long Should Submissions Be?

QCAT does not set a strict page limit for most matters, but shorter is usually better. Aim for:

• Simple disputes (bond refund, minor debt): 2-4 pages
• Moderate disputes (defective work, lease dispute): 4-8 pages
• Complex disputes (multiple issues, contested facts): 8-12 pages

If your submissions run longer than 12 pages, you are probably including too much detail.

When to File Submissions

QCAT’s practice directions typically require written submissions to be filed and served at least 7 days before the hearing. Check your notice of hearing or the tribunal’s directions.

If the other party files submissions, you may be allowed to file a reply. Keep it short and only respond to new points.

What If You Are Responding to the Other Party’s Submissions?

If you are the respondent and the applicant has filed submissions, your response should:

• Address each key point they raise
• Identify where you agree or disagree with their version of the facts
• Reference your own evidence that contradicts their claims
• Explain why the tribunal should not make the orders they seek

Do not ignore their submissions. If they raise a good point, concede it. If they misstate the facts, correct it with evidence.

Final Checklist Before You File

Before you file your QCAT legal submissions, check:

• [ ] Heading includes tribunal name, jurisdiction, reference number, and party names
• [ ] Introduction states what the dispute is about and what you are seeking
• [ ] Facts are set out in chronological order
• [ ] Legal issues are identified
• [ ] Every factual claim is supported by an exhibit reference
• [ ] Exhibits are labelled clearly (A, B, C or 1, 2, 3)
• [ ] Relief sought is specific and clear
• [ ] Tone is professional and respectful
• [ ] Document is proofread for spelling and grammar
• [ ] You have filed and served the submissions within the required timeframe

How ClaimDone Prepares Your QCAT Submissions

ClaimDone’s Legal Submissions service generates tribunal-ready written submissions based on the evidence you upload. You complete a short intake form, upload your documents, and receive structured submissions that cite the applicable law and reference your exhibits properly.

The service is designed for self-represented parties who need a professional starting point without paying a solicitor’s hourly rate. You receive a Word document you can edit, file with QCAT, and serve on the other party.

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Prepare your QCAT legal submissions now and give yourself the best chance of a favourable outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to file written submissions for every QCAT case?

No. QCAT does not require written submissions in every matter, but they are strongly encouraged in disputes over $5,000, contested tenancy matters, and building disputes. Even if not required, filing clear submissions strengthens your case and shows you are prepared.

How do I label and reference my evidence in QCAT submissions?

Label each piece of evidence as Exhibit A, Exhibit B, etc. In your submissions, describe what each exhibit is (e.g., ‘Exhibit A is the signed contract dated 12 March 2024’) and explain what it proves. Always point the tribunal to the relevant document rather than assuming they will read everything.

Can I use a QCAT legal submissions template I found online?

You can, but generic templates often do not fit your specific dispute. A good template should guide structure (heading, facts, evidence, relief sought), but the content must be tailored to your case. ClaimDone’s Legal Submissions service generates submissions based on your actual evidence and the applicable law.

How long should my QCAT written submissions be?

Aim for 2-4 pages for simple disputes, 4-8 pages for moderate matters, and no more than 12 pages for complex cases. QCAT members read dozens of submissions — shorter and clearer is better than long and repetitive.

What happens if I do not file written submissions before the QCAT hearing?

You can still present your case orally, but you lose the advantage of giving the tribunal a clear written roadmap. The member may ask you to summarise your position on the spot, which is harder to do coherently without preparation. Written submissions filed in advance give you a significant tactical advantage.