Queenslanders will soon be able to share their views on the effectiveness of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (QCAT Act).
Attorney-General and Justice Minister Shannon Fentiman has commissioned a review to be undertaken by a team within the Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG), overseen by a government steering committee.
Under the QCAT Act, reviews are required to be conducted every five years.
The review will be the second evaluation of the QCAT Act after an initial review commenced in 2012 – three years after the tribunal’s establishment.
QCAT was established in 2009 after 18 tribunals, including the Small Claims Tribunal, Anti-Discrimination Tribunal and Teachers Disciplinary Committee, and 23 jurisdictions, were amalgamated.
The review will examine ways to reduce procedural delays and improve QCAT usability for parties and improve QCAT meeting its statutory objectives.
Under its terms of reference, the review will:
- decide whether the objects of the QCAT Act remain valid
- decide whether the QCAT Act is meeting its objects
- decide whether the provisions of the QCAT Act are appropriate for meeting its objects
- investigate any specific issue recommended by the Minister or the QCAT President.
The review will also examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the operational ease of use and access for all parties.
A consultation paper will be released by mid-April to assist interested stakeholders and the public provide their written submissions on ideas for statutory reform.
The review is due to be completed by February 2024.
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