Timeframes for filing forms and material
There are strict time limits that apply to lodge some types of applications. Please read the information about your case type including the application process before selecting a form and making an application.
All forms or material to be relied on at a hearing must be filed in advance of the hearing and a copy given to all of the other parties.
Legal advice
As part of an independent tribunal, QCAT staff cannot provide legal advice. This includes advice on whether you are applying in the right jurisdiction or your chances of success.
Fees and costs
The applicant may have to pay a fee to apply to QCAT. If you have difficulty in paying the application or appeal fee, you may apply to QCAT for the fee to be waived. An application to waive the fee will only be approved in special circumstances.
Preparing your application
Some jurisdictions have application checklists available to help you check you have all the information you need to make your application.
When preparing your application or any other forms, please remember to:
- read the instructions carefully
- answer all relevant questions and provide as much information as possible
- include the contact details of all parties
- provide all pages of the form
- provide any supporting documents in their original format or, when required, copies that a justice of the peace, commissioner of declarations or a solicitor have witnessed
- sign and date the form
- provide the required number of copies to QCAT with a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope
- pay the correct fee (if applicable).
For all matters (except Guardianship and Administration for Adults and Child Protection matters), QCAT has a 30 page limit for emails and attachments including attachments over multiple emails. If your email and attachments exceed this limit, it will not be processed. In these circumstances you can only lodge the application in person or by mail.
The table below outlines your options for lodging your application or form depending on the type of matter your form your application or form relates to.
| Matter type | Lodgement options |
|---|---|
If you live in Brisbane, QCAT now offers an online portal called QCase for you to securely file applications, referrals or documents electronically, view, manage and respond to your minor civil dispute case For people outside of Brisbane, and those not able to access QCase, you can lodge an application:
| |
Lodge an application: | |
| All other matter types that require payment. | Lodge an application:
|
In person
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Level 11
259 Queen Street
Brisbane Qld 4000, or at any Magistrates Court (excluding Brisbane)
By mail
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal
GPO Box 1639
Brisbane Qld 4001
Email address
enquiriesQCAT@justice.qld.gov.au
All applications and forms must be signed, scanned and then emailed.
Payment of fees
If you are lodging an application or form by mail and you are required to pay a fee, please enclose a cheque or money order made payable to the Department of Justice and Attorney-General or a completed credit card payment authorisation form .
For security reasons, the credit card payment authorisation form will only be accepted by post. This form must not be emailed or faxed.
Cash payments will be accepted when an application or form is lodged in person at QCAT or a Magistrates Court (excluding Brisbane).