If you make an application to QCAT, or one is made about you, you may need to attend a hearing or a dispute resolution proceeding. This may include a:
How will I know if I need at attend a proceeding?
You will receive a notice in the mail advising you of the time and location of the proceeding.
Where will my proceeding be held?
Check the notice you have been sent about the proceeding you need to attend: if you are outside of Brisbane, you may need to attend at your local courthouse.
What if I am unable to attend the scheduled proceeding?
If you are unable to attend a directions hearing, mediation or compulsory conference you must apply to QCAT to change to the date. This is called an adjournment request. When a date and time has been set for these matters, it will go ahead on that date and at that time, unless QCAT has granted you an adjournment.
Can someone attend the proceeding on my behalf?
If there is a good reason why you cannot come to the proceeding, you can ask the tribunal for permission for someone to come on your behalf, by completing and lodging Application for leave to be represented. Alternatively you may ask for the hearing to be moved to another date.
Do I have to attend in person?
You can apply to attend the hearing via phone by lodging an Application for attendance at hearing, compulsory conference or mediation by remote conferencing .
Further information on attending by phone (known as remote conferencing) is provided in Practice Direction 7 - Proceeding by remote conferencing .
I am hearing impaired. Can you help?
QCAT hearing rooms are equipped with hearing loops to assist those with a hearing aid. If you require this service for your proceeding, or you have a hearing impairment but do not have a hearing aid, please advise your Case Manager or the QCAT registry via QCATOperationsSupport@justice.qld.gov.au
How do I address the QCAT member, adjudicator or Justice of the Peace?
Information on how to address a member or adjudicator is provided in Practice Direction 2014/1 - Hearing Protocols .
The following table provides a summary and examples.
| Member | Guideline | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Judge | Refer to the judge as "Your Honour" | "Yes, your Honour" |
| Senior Member | Refer to the member as "Senior Member" | "Yes, Senior Member" |
| Member (including ordinary members and judicial members) | Refer to the member as "Member" followed by their surname | "Yes, Member Smith" |
| Adjudicator | Refer to the adjudicator as Mr/Ms/Mrs | "Yes, Mr Jones" |
| Justices of the Peace | Refer to the Justices of the Peace as Mr/Ms/Mrs | "Yes, Mrs Jones" |
What do I need to know about the hearing?
Information on protocols for hearings is provided in Practice Direction 2014/1 - Hearing Protocols .
For example, at the start of the proceeding, parties will be asked to state their full name, in what capacity they are appearing and the party or parties they represent.