An almost $4 million expansion to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) in Brisbane has delivered new hearing and mediation rooms to meet growing demand and improve access.
Five new hearing rooms and two new mediation rooms have been added as part of the upgraded layout, bringing QCAT’s total complement to 28 rooms. The expansion project increases the floorspace of Level 8 of the Brisbane premises by about 800 square metres.
The renovations also include a new reception area, bolstered security, and a LawRight office.
The official opening of the new hearing rooms coincide with Justice Scott McLeod’s commencement as President this month, and the release of the Honourable Justice David Thomas’ review of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009.
The report’s findings will be considered to improve QCAT’s operations and efficiency.
QCAT has already reported reductions in wait times for a first hearing and in time taken to finalise matters, in 75 per cent of cases.
From 31 October 2024 to 30 June 2026, the number of weeks for a first hearing dropped in the following categories, from:
- 123 weeks to 90 weeks for building matters;
- 143 weeks to 57 weeks for retail shop leases;
- 169 weeks to 90 weeks for neighbourhood disputes;
- 158 weeks to 33 weeks for other civil disputes;
- 35 weeks to 23 weeks for guardianship.
In the same period, the time taken to finalise QCAT matters reduced in the following categories, from:
- 106 weeks to 47 weeks for retail shop leases;
- 46 weeks to 30 weeks for child protection;
- 85 weeks to 61 weeks for other civil disputes;
- 35 weeks to 24 weeks for guardianship.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Deb Frecklington said there was more work to do to reduce delays, but the State Government’s record showed its commitment to boosting resources and capacity in Queensland’s justice system to hear cases sooner.
“Each year, QCAT’s work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of Queenslanders, and I’m proud to be investing in the tribunal’s long-term capability as it enters its next chapter,” Ms Frecklington said.
“I would like to congratulate and formally welcome Justice McLeod as President, who is exceptionally well placed to continue QCAT’s progress.”
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