Queensland · Small Claims
Queensland QCAT minor civil disputes: sue for up to $25,000. Filing fees $40–$100, 4–12 weeks to hearing. Official forms, deadlines, and evidence prep guide.
Court Name
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)
Filing Limit
$25,000
Filing Fee
$40–$100 depending on claim amount
Response Deadline
28 days after service to file a response
Hearing Timeline
4–12 weeks after filing
Statute
Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (Qld)
✓ Verified as of 2026-03-30
The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) Minor Civil Disputes jurisdiction handles civil money claims up to $25,000 under Queensland law. It is designed for individuals and businesses who want to resolve disputes without the cost and formality of the Magistrates Court. Common disputes include unpaid invoices, faulty goods or services, building and trade contractor disputes, motor vehicle damage claims, and consumer contract breaches. QCAT proceedings are informal, members are not bound by strict court rules of evidence, and most parties appear without legal representation. Legal practitioners are generally not permitted to represent parties in minor civil disputes unless both parties agree and the tribunal grants leave. ThreadLock helps you organize your evidence, build a timeline, and prepare a court-ready exhibit packet before your QCAT hearing.
Individuals, businesses, and other entities may file minor civil dispute applications at QCAT. You must file in the Minor Civil Disputes jurisdiction, which is the correct division for money claims up to $25,000 and certain other civil disputes. File in Queensland if the transaction or event occurred in Queensland, or if the respondent resides or carries on business in Queensland. Lawyers are generally not permitted to represent parties in QCAT minor civil disputes, both parties ordinarily appear in person or through an authorized lay representative. Fee concessions apply for holders of Queensland concession cards.
To file a minor civil dispute at QCAT, complete the application online through the QCAT Online Portal or in person at a QCAT registry. You will need the full legal name and address of the respondent, a clear description of the dispute, the dollar amount you are claiming, and any supporting documents. The filing fee is $40–$100 depending on claim amount. Concession card holders pay a reduced fee.
After filing, QCAT will serve the application on the respondent. The respondent must file a response within 28 days after service. If the respondent does not respond, QCAT may proceed to a hearing in their absence and make an order based on your evidence.
QCAT will typically list the matter for a mediation or compulsory conference before any hearing. Many minor civil disputes are resolved at the conference stage. If the matter is not resolved, it proceeds to a hearing where both parties present evidence to the adjudicator or member. Orders are enforceable as judgments of the Magistrates Court if the respondent does not comply.
QCAT adjudicators expect organized, chronological evidence. The strongest presentations follow the story of the dispute in order, with documents attached to each key event. Common types of evidence include contracts and quotes, invoices and receipts, photographs of goods or completed work, text messages and emails, bank statements, and written communications between the parties.
For Queensland disputes involving unpaid invoices, faulty goods or services, building and trade contractor disputes, motor vehicle damage claims, and consumer contract breaches, the evidence that decides cases is whatever proves the agreement was made, shows what actually happened, and quantifies your loss. QCAT cannot award what you cannot prove, bring every document that supports your claim or defence. Prepare three sets of copies: one for yourself, one for the respondent, and one for the adjudicator.
ThreadLock's incident journal lets you log events as they happen with date and time stamps and attached photos. The timeline builder assembles those entries into a chronological view of your case. The exhibit export tool labels and numbers your documents into a court-ready PDF packet.
What is the maximum I can claim at QCAT in Queensland?
The Minor Civil Disputes jurisdiction covers claims up to $25,000. If your actual loss exceeds this amount, you can still file at QCAT but would be waiving recovery above $25,000. For larger claims, you would need to file in the Queensland Magistrates Court (up to $150,000) or District Court.
Do I need a lawyer to appear at QCAT?
Generally no. Legal representation is restricted in QCAT minor civil disputes to keep the process accessible. Both parties usually appear in person. You may obtain legal advice before the hearing, but the lawyer would not generally attend to represent you.
What does it cost to file a minor civil dispute at QCAT?
Filing fees are $40–$100 depending on claim amount. Concession card holders pay a reduced fee. If you succeed, QCAT may order the respondent to reimburse your filing fee as part of the order.
What happens if the respondent does not comply with a QCAT order?
QCAT money orders can be enforced as judgments of the Queensland Magistrates Court. Once registered, you can use enforcement tools including wage garnishment, bank account seizure, and property charges. The QCAT registry can provide information on the enforcement process.
What if the other party does not attend the hearing?
If the respondent was properly served and does not appear, QCAT can proceed in their absence and make an order based on your evidence. A default order is as enforceable as one made after a contested hearing. You will still need to present your evidence clearly to the member.
ThreadLock helps you document incidents, organize evidence, and prepare court-ready materials, so you walk in prepared.
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