What Happens After You File a Tribunal Application in Australia?

You’ve submitted your tribunal application. Now what? The basic timeline is consistent across Australian tribunals: acknowledgment, directions, possible mediation, then hearing. This guide breaks down each stage so you know what to expect and when to act.

Acknowledgment and case allocation

Within 5-10 business days of lodging, the tribunal sends an acknowledgment letter or email confirming:

• Your case number (keep this for all correspondence)
• The respondent’s details as recorded
• Whether your application fee was received
• The tribunal member or registrar assigned to your matter

The tribunal also serves a copy of your application on the respondent. In most jurisdictions this happens automatically. In some, you arrange service yourself — check the acknowledgment letter.

The respondent typically has 14 to 28 days to file a response. If they fail to respond, you can apply for default orders, though most tribunals prefer to give respondents a chance to participate.

The respondent’s response

Once the respondent files their response, you receive a copy. It will set out:

• Which parts of your claim they admit
• Which parts they dispute
• Any counterclaim they’re making
• The evidence they intend to rely on

If the response raises unexpected facts or arguments, gather additional evidence now. You’ll usually have an opportunity to file a reply, but not always.

Directions hearing

Many tribunals then schedule a directions hearing. This is not the final hearing. It’s a procedural step where the tribunal member:

• Clarifies the issues in dispute
• Sets a timetable for filing further evidence
• Decides whether mediation is appropriate
• Lists the matter for a final hearing (if mediation is not ordered)

Directions hearings are often conducted by phone or video and typically last 15 to 30 minutes. You don’t present your full case, but be ready to explain:

• What evidence you still need to file
• Whether you’re willing to mediate
• How long you think the final hearing will take

Mediation (if ordered)

Many tribunals strongly encourage or mandate mediation before a final hearing. Mediation is confidential, usually voluntary, and conducted by a tribunal mediator or external mediator. Sessions typically last 2-4 hours.

If you reach an agreement, the tribunal makes consent orders reflecting the settlement. If you don’t, the matter proceeds to a final hearing.

Should you agree to mediate? In most cases, yes. Mediation can save months of waiting and give you control over the outcome. That said, if the other party is clearly in the wrong and refusing to engage in good faith, you’re entitled to proceed straight to hearing.

Pre-hearing preparation

If mediation fails or isn’t ordered, the tribunal lists your matter for a final hearing. You’ll receive a notice of hearing at least 14 days in advance specifying:

• The hearing date, time, and location (or video link)
• The estimated duration
• Any final evidence deadlines
• Whether witnesses need to attend

Between directions and the hearing, you must:

• File all evidence by the tribunal’s deadline (typically 7-14 days before the hearing)
• Serve your evidence on the other party
• Prepare an outline of your submissions (if required)
• Arrange for witnesses to attend (if you’re calling any)

Tribunal hearings are less formal than court, but you still need to present your case clearly. If you’re unsure how to structure your evidence or submissions, Claim Done’s Programmatic Algorithms can prepare an outline of your hearing submissions based on your documents and the issues in dispute.

The final hearing

The hearing typically lasts 1-4 hours. The tribunal member will:

• Hear opening statements from both parties (5-10 minutes each)
• Take you through your evidence
• Allow the respondent to ask you questions (and vice versa)
• Hear from any witnesses
• Hear closing submissions

Tribunals are less formal than courts. You don’t need to stand, you can refer to notes, and the member will often ask clarifying questions. But you do need to:

• Speak clearly and directly
• Refer to specific documents in your evidence bundle
• Stay on topic
• Be respectful

At the end of the hearing, the tribunal member will either deliver an oral decision immediately or reserve their decision and provide written reasons later.

After the decision

Once the tribunal makes its decision, you receive a written copy of the orders. If you’ve won, the orders will specify:

• The amount the respondent must pay (if it’s a money claim)
• The date by which payment is due
• Any other remedies (e.g., return of goods, specific performance)

If the respondent doesn’t comply, you’ll need to enforce the orders. Tribunal orders have the same force as a court judgment, so you can register the order in the Magistrates Court, apply for a garnishee order, or apply for a warrant to seize goods.

Enforcement is a separate process and often the hardest part. If the respondent has no assets or income, even a tribunal win might not result in payment.

Common timeline: start to finish

Here’s a typical timeline for a straightforward tribunal matter:

• Day 0: Application lodged
• Day 7: Acknowledgment received
• Day 21: Respondent files response
• Day 35: Directions hearing scheduled
• Day 50: Mediation session (if ordered)
• Day 80: Final hearing (if mediation fails)
• Day 95: Written decision delivered

Total time depends on the tribunal’s waiting times. Complex matters take longer, especially if there are multiple directions hearings or adjournments.

What if the other party doesn’t engage?

If the respondent ignores the tribunal process entirely — no response, no attendance at directions, no appearance at the hearing — you can apply for default orders. The tribunal will usually grant your application if:

• The respondent was properly served
• You’ve complied with all procedural requirements
• Your claim is supported by evidence

Default orders are not automatic. You still need to prove your case, even if the other party isn’t there to defend it.

Can you withdraw or settle after filing?

Yes. If you and the respondent reach a settlement at any stage, you can:

• File consent orders with the tribunal (recommended — this makes the settlement enforceable)
• Withdraw your application (not recommended — you lose the tribunal’s enforcement power)

Always formalise a settlement in writing. If you’ve negotiated terms, Claim Done’s binding settlement agreement service can prepare a deed that protects both parties and allows you to file consent orders with the tribunal.

Final checklist: what to do after filing

• Keep your case number — you’ll need it for all correspondence
• Read the respondent’s response carefully — identify what’s disputed
• Attend all directions hearings — even if they’re short
• File evidence on time — late evidence may be rejected
• Prepare for the hearing — organise your documents and practise your opening
• Bring three copies of everything — one for you, one for the respondent, one for the tribunal

How Claim Done helps with tribunal matters

Claim Done prepares the documents you need to run your own case:

• Tribunal application: Drafted and formatted, for you to check and file yourself
• Witness statements: Structured evidence from you or your witnesses
• Legal submissions: A clear outline of your case for the hearing

All documents are generated by our Programmatic Algorithms based on the evidence you describe. Flat fee, no subscription, delivered in about 5 minutes.

For straightforward disputes under $10,000-$25,000, Claim Done gives you the tools to represent yourself effectively. Prepare your tribunal application now and know exactly what happens next.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after filing does the tribunal hearing happen?

It depends on the tribunal’s current waiting times; check its website. Complex matters or busy tribunals take longer.

What happens if the respondent doesn't file a response?

You can apply for default orders. The tribunal will usually grant your application if the respondent was properly served and you’ve provided evidence supporting your claim.

Is mediation compulsory in tribunal matters?

It depends on the tribunal. Some mandate mediation for certain claim types, others strongly encourage it. You can usually decline mediation, but tribunals prefer parties to attempt settlement before a hearing.

Can I settle after filing a tribunal application?

Yes. You can settle at any stage. File consent orders with the tribunal to make the settlement enforceable, rather than simply withdrawing your application.

What if I miss a directions hearing?

Contact the tribunal immediately. Missing a directions hearing can result in your application being dismissed or delayed. Most tribunals will reschedule if you have a reasonable excuse.