Search and copy documents

Information on how to submit a request to search and or copy QCAT documents and files.

You can apply to search for details about QCAT proceedings and to inspect and/or copy documents filed with QCAT during a proceeding.

There are laws about the types of information you can search, copy or inspect.

Our register of proceedings contains information about all proceedings at QCAT. You can search the register for information about QCAT proceedings, such as parties to a proceeding or the decision about a proceeding. A copy of the register is a written copy of the information in the register (list of cases before QCAT).

Our record of proceedings is the record of all documents filed in the tribunal. You can request a copy of a document filed at QCAT, such as an application or statements. If you only want to view a file, this is known as an inspection of the record of proceedings.

Search and copy documents

Who can search the register and inspect or copy documents?

Anyone can ask to search the register of proceedings, or to inspect and copy QCAT documents. What you are allowed to search or copy may depend on:

Who can use this form?

Anyone can use this form to search, copy or inspect the QCAT register or record of proceedings for files lodged at the Brisbane QCAT registry.

Who cannot use this form?

You cannot use this form if the file you want to inspect or copy has not been lodged at the Brisbane QCAT registry.

For files lodged outside of Brisbane, please contact the Magistrates Court where the application was lodged.

Before you start

To search the register of proceedings you need to tell us the name of the person or the entity/business for which you want to search.

To inspect and/or copy the record of proceedings, please specify the:

If you do not have the required information, or your request relates to proceedings held before 1 December 2009, please contact QCAT to discuss your request.

Fees

Fees may apply depending on whether you are a party to the proceedings or under which law the application was filed.

Any relevant fees will be payable at the checkout using a secure shopping cart. If you do not wish to pay using the shopping cart, you will need to contact QCAT to discuss your request.

There is no fee to search retail shop lease matters.

Parties

If you are a party to a matter, you won't need to pay a fee to:

  • search (inspect) the register of proceedings
  • inspect the record of proceedings for your matter.

You will need to pay a fee to obtain copies of the record of proceedings for your matter.

There is no fee to receive copies of the record of proceedings for child protection, blue card or anti-discrimination matters, and you may not need to pay a fee for matters under some adult guardianship and administration legislation.

If you are requesting copies of a file stored offsite, you will need to pay a fee to retrieve the file.

Non-parties

If you are not a party to a matter, you will need to pay a fee to:

  • search (inspect) the register of proceedings
  • receive a copy of the register of proceedings
  • inspect the record of proceedings
  • receive a copy of the record of proceedings.

Fees to search the register are charged before the search is conducted. There is no refund regardless of the outcome of the search.

There is no fee to search retail shop lease matters.

If you are requesting copies of a file stored offsite, you will need to pay a fee to retrieve the file.

Timeframes

Searching the register of proceedings

Searching the register and providing a result can take up to 5 business days. Complex inquiries may take longer.

If no relevant results are found, we will endeavour to provide this nil result to you within 24 hours.

Inspecting the record of proceedings

Preparing your documents for inspection can take up to 3 business days, or longer if the records have been archived.

We will contact you to arrange the inspection. You can request copies after the inspection (fees apply).

Copying the record of proceedings only

We will contact you within 3 business days about payment and collection. It may take longer if the records have been archived.

Records

Transcripts

We do not hold copies of transcripts and recordings. If your query relates to transcripts and recordings, visit order a transcript or a recording.

Decisions

When written reasons have been provided for a QCAT decision, the Supreme Court Library Queensland and the Australasian Legal Information Institute may publish them.