How can I find out about a matter (case) at QCAT?
Requests may be made to search or view QCAT’s:
- register of proceedings (list of cases before QCAT)
- record of proceedings (QCAT case files).
If you are not directly involved in the case (a non-party), a fee will apply.
How do I search the register of proceedings (list of cases before QCAT)?
To request a search of the QCAT register of proceedings, you must provide a request in writing that includes the name of at least one party to the proceeding. You can ask for the search results to be delivered in writing (via email or post) or verbally if you make a request in person.
You can submit a request:
- online
- via email
Please note that credit card authorisation forms cannot be accepted via email. Please contact QCAT to provide payment over the phone. - via post: written request and cheque, money order or credit card authorisation form to GPO Box 1639, Brisbane, Qld, 4001
- in person: QCAT, Level 11, 259 Queen Street, Brisbane along with cash, credit card, cheque or money order payment.
Do I have to pay a fee to request a search?
If you are not directly involved in the case (a non-party), you will need to pay a fee before the search of the register is conducted. There is no refund regardless of the outcome of the search.
If a person is requesting a search of the register of proceedings for multiple names or entities, fees are calculated per name or entity requested.
What information will the search show?
If there are results for your search, generally you will be provided with the:
- date the application was made
- case number
- names of the parties involved (the applicant and the respondent)
- status of the case ie started (ongoing) or finalised.
How do I request access to a QCAT file (record of proceedings)?
While case files are generally open for public inspection, not all documents can be inspected. Some category of cases eg those involving children are not available for public inspection. To request access to a case file, you must provide a request in writing which includes the name of at least one party to the proceeding.
You can submit a request:
- online
- via email
- via post: GPO Box 1639, Brisbane, QLD 4001
- in person: QCAT, Level 11, 259 Queen Street, Brisbane.
QCAT registry staff endeavour to address all file inspection applications in a timely manner in consideration of operational demands.
Once your request is received, QCAT staff will check file availability and whether it is subject to any non-publication orders or is covered by legislation that prevents access.
If the file is available and able to accessed, QCAT staff will arrange an appointment for you to view the file on the QCAT premises.
It is generally not possible to view the file immediately after your request. Making an appointment will help avoid lengthy waiting times.
Do I have to pay a fee to inspect a file?
Generally, parties can inspect a file for free. If you are not directly involved in the case (a non-party), you will need to pay a fee to inspect the file.
Additional fees will apply for any photocopying requested, or if the file has been archived and must be retrieved for the inspection. These additional fees apply whether or not you are a party to the case.
What happens at a file inspection?
- QCAT staff will ask you to complete a request for file inspection form that describes your responsibilities for costs and how you use the information.
- QCAT staff will supervise viewing in a file inspection room on the QCAT premises. The administrative staff member cannot answer any questions regarding the file aside from simple administrative matters such as copying the information.
- You may request portions of the file be photocopied (subject to a fee). If a substantial amount of copying is required, you may not be able to be provided with the information immediately. You are not permitted to take pictures of the file using a phone or other device.
Prior to leaving the QCAT premises you must pay the fee QCAT staff advised (depending on time inspecting the file and photocopying requested).