How to Respond to a Tribunal Application in Queensland Without a Lawyer

You’ve been served with a tribunal application at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). The other party wants money, property, or some other remedy. You disagree. Now you need to respond properly and meet any deadline that applies to your claim.

This guide explains how to respond to a QCAT application, what documents you must file, and the deadlines you cannot afford to miss.

What is QCAT?

QCAT handles civil and administrative disputes in Queensland. The minor civil disputes stream covers claims up to $25,000. Common matters include:

• Unpaid debts and invoices
• Rental bond disputes
• Defective goods or services
• Neighbourhood disputes
• Building and construction claims
• Breach of contract

QCAT is designed for self-representation, but the rules still apply. In a minor debt claim, missing the 28-day deadline lets the applicant ask for a decision by default.

Your Response Timeframe

In a minor debt claim, you have 28 days from the date you were served to file your response (Form 7). In consumer and trader, residential tenancy and dividing fence disputes you are not required to file a response, but you can file a reply or evidence up to 7 days before the hearing.

The clock starts when you receive the application, not when it was filed.

If you miss the 28-day deadline in a minor debt claim, 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.

Start preparing your response immediately.

What You Need to File

In a minor debt claim, your response is Form 7, Response to minor civil dispute – minor debt, available from the QCAT website. In other minor civil disputes, a reply should cover the same points:

• Your full name and contact details as the respondent
• Your position on each allegation — admit, deny, or do not know
• Your version of events — a clear statement of the facts
• Any counterclaim if you are claiming money or relief against the applicant (not allowed in a minor debt claim)
• Supporting documents — contracts, invoices, emails, photos, receipts

QCAT says you must give a copy of any reply, evidence or counter application to QCAT and to the other parties.

What a Proper Defence Pack Contains

A Defence Pack is the complete bundle of documents needed to defend a QCAT claim. It should contain:

1. Completed Response (Form 7 in a Minor Debt Claim)

Use the official QCAT form where one applies. Answer every section. Do not write “see attached” or leave blanks. The tribunal expects direct answers to each allegation.

2. Statement of Your Position

A written narrative explaining:

• Why you dispute the claim
• What actually happened
• Why the applicant’s version is wrong or incomplete
• Any defences you are raising (payment already made, work was defective, contract was breached by the applicant first)

Stick to facts. Avoid emotional language. Focus on what you can prove.

3. Supporting Documents

Attach copies of everything that supports your case:

• Contracts or agreements
• Invoices, receipts, bank statements
• Emails, text messages, letters
• Photos of defective work or damaged property
• Expert reports or quotes
• Proof of payment or refund

Number each document and refer to them in your statement (e.g., “see Exhibit A — invoice dated 12 March 2024”).

4. Witness Statements (if applicable)

If someone else has relevant knowledge, prepare a signed witness statement. It must:

• Be in the witness’s own words
• State facts they personally observed
• Be signed and dated
• Include their full name and contact details

QCAT may require witnesses to attend the hearing, so only include statements from people willing to appear.

5. Counterclaim (if applicable)

If you are claiming money or relief against the applicant, you can file a counter application in consumer and trader, tenancy and dividing fence disputes (QCAT does not allow one in a minor debt claim). You must:

• State what you are claiming
• Explain the basis for your claim
• Attach supporting documents

A counterclaim is treated as a separate application and may attract an additional filing fee.

How to File Your Response at QCAT

You can file your response:

• Online via the QCAT e-filing portal (requires registration)
• By post to QCAT Registry, GPO Box 1639, Brisbane QLD 4001
• In person at the QCAT Registry, 259 Queen Street, Brisbane, or regional registries in Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Maroochydore, Southport

Filing fees may apply. Fees change each 1 July; check the current fee on the tribunal’s or court’s website before you file. Fee waivers are available if you hold a concession card or can demonstrate financial hardship.

You must also give a copy of what you file to the applicant. Service can be by email (if they provided an email address), post, or hand delivery. Keep proof of service.

What Happens After You File

Once your response is filed, QCAT will typically:

1. Set a directions hearing or case conference
2. Review both parties’ documents
3. Issue directions about what each party must do next (file further documents, attend mediation, etc.)

At the directions hearing, the tribunal may:

• Order mediation or conciliation
• Set a final hearing date
• Require further evidence or witness statements
• Make preliminary rulings on jurisdiction or procedure

If the matter does not settle, it proceeds to a final hearing where both parties present their case and the tribunal makes a binding decision.

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.

Admitting allegations you should deny. Read the application carefully. If you do not know whether something is true, say “does not know.” If it is false, say “denies.”

Filing a response without evidence. Your word alone is not enough. Attach documents that prove your version.

Ignoring the counterclaim option. If the applicant owes you money or breached the contract first, raise it (except in a minor debt claim, where QCAT does not allow a counter application).

Serving the applicant late or not at all. Even if you file on time, you must also serve the applicant. Keep proof.

How Claim Done Helps

Claim Done’s Tribunal Response / Defence Pack service prepares your QCAT response in about 5 minutes. Tell us about the application and your evidence. Our Programmatic Algorithms draft four separate A4 PDFs:

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

The service costs $129 — a flat fee, no subscription, no hidden charges. 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.

Claim Done does not provide legal advice. But if you need a fast, affordable way to prepare a proper response, prepare your QCAT Defence Pack in about 5 minutes.

Final Checklist

Before you file your response to a QCAT application:

• [ ] Response filed on time (within 28 days of service in a minor debt claim)
• [ ] All allegations addressed (admit, deny, or do not know)
• [ ] Your version of events clearly stated
• [ ] Supporting documents attached and numbered
• [ ] Witness statements signed and dated (if applicable)
• [ ] Counter application filed (if applicable and allowed)
• [ ] Copy served on the applicant
• [ ] Proof of service kept
• [ ] Filing fee paid (or waiver applied for)

A properly prepared response gives you the best chance of defending the claim or negotiating a settlement on your terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the deadline to respond to a QCAT application?

In a minor debt claim, 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, no response is required.

Can I respond to a QCAT application without a lawyer?

Yes. QCAT is designed for self-representation and most people do not use lawyers.

Do I need to attend a hearing if I file a response?

Usually, yes. After you file your response, QCAT will schedule a directions hearing or case conference. If the matter does not settle, you will need to attend a final hearing to present your case. Failing to attend can result in orders being made against you.

Can I file a counterclaim in my QCAT response?

In consumer and trader, tenancy and dividing fence disputes, yes: file a counter application. QCAT does not allow one in a minor debt claim. You must state what you are claiming, the legal basis, and attach supporting documents. An additional filing fee may apply.

How much does it cost to file a response at QCAT?

Fees change each 1 July; check the current fee on the tribunal’s or court’s website before you file. Fee waivers are available if you hold a concession card or can demonstrate financial hardship.