Which Tribunal Covers Your Claim?

  • NSW: NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal) — ncat.nsw.gov.au. Consumer claims up to $40,000 in the Consumer and Commercial Division.
  • Victoria: VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) — vcat.vic.gov.au. Civil claims up to $100,000.
  • Queensland: QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) — qcat.qld.gov.au. Minor civil disputes up to $25,000.
  • South Australia: SACAT — sacat.sa.gov.au.
  • Western Australia: Magistrates Court Small Claims — magistratescourt.wa.gov.au. Claims up to $10,000.
  • ACT: ACAT — acat.act.gov.au.
  • Tasmania: Magistrates Court Civil Division.

Common Types of Claims

  • Unpaid wages or entitlements
  • Goods or services not delivered or not as described
  • Building or renovation disputes
  • Tenancy disputes (bond, rent, repairs)
  • Damage to property
  • Refunds not received

Step-by-Step: Filing a Claim

  1. 1

    Try to resolve it directly first

    Tribunals expect you to have attempted to resolve the dispute before filing. Send a formal letter or email to the other party clearly stating your claim, the amount you are seeking, and a deadline to respond (usually 14 days). Keep records of this attempt — the tribunal will ask.

  2. 2

    Gather your evidence

    Collect all supporting documents: contracts, invoices, receipts, emails, text messages, photos, bank statements. Organised evidence significantly strengthens your case. You can only rely on evidence you can provide to the tribunal.

  3. 3

    Apply online through your tribunal’s website

    Most tribunals have online application forms. You will need: the respondent’s full legal name and address, a clear description of your claim, the amount you are claiming, and supporting documents to upload. Pay the filing fee by card.

  4. 4

    Attend the hearing

    The tribunal schedules a hearing date (typically 4–12 weeks after filing). Both parties present their case — usually an informal hearing lasting 30–90 minutes before a tribunal member. You do not need a lawyer (and in many divisions, legal representation requires permission). Be prepared, organised and factual.

  5. 5

    Enforce the order if you win

    If the tribunal orders the other party to pay, they may still refuse. You may need to enforce the order through the courts (applying for a court order or garnishing wages/bank account). This is a separate process — ask the tribunal for guidance on enforcement options if needed.

This is general information, not legal adviceTribunal rules and claim limits vary by state and type of claim. For significant disputes, consulting a community legal centre (free advice) or a lawyer is worthwhile before filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Filing fees vary by tribunal and claim amount. Generally $50–150 for consumer claims under $10,000. Some tribunals have reduced fees or fee waivers for people experiencing financial hardship — check your tribunal’s website. Hearing fees may also apply for contested matters. If you win, the tribunal may order the other party to pay your filing fee as part of the settlement.
Generally no — these tribunals are designed to be accessible without legal representation. For straightforward disputes under $10,000–20,000, most applicants represent themselves successfully. Legal representation is restricted or requires permission in some divisions. For larger or more complex claims, or where the other party has a lawyer, getting advice (even a one-off consultation) is worthwhile.