This is the final instalment of our Australia Courts and Tribunals series, we discuss Queensland.
In Queensland, a party needs to decide in which of the following Queensland Courts or Tribunals their proceeding must be filed:
- Magistrates Court of Queensland
- District Court of Queensland
- Supreme Court of Queensland
- Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)
The decision regarding which Court to use in a civil matter usually relates to the monetary value (quantum) of the claim. In Queensland:
- Claims up to $25,000 can be filed in either the Magistrates Court of Queensland or the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). We usually file proceedings in the Magistrates Court as legal representation is generally not allowed in QCAT for claims of this value.
- Claims up to $150,000 are filed in the Magistrates Court of Queensland.
- Claims between $150,000 and $750,000 are filed in the District Court of Queensland.
- Claims above $750,000 are filed in the Supreme Court of Queensland.
Appeals in Queensland
If a party is dissatisfied with a decision, an appeal can usually be made to a higher Court:
- A Magistrates Court decision can be appealed to the District Court.
- A District Court decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court.
- A party who wants to appeal a decision of the Supreme Court may appear before the Court of Appeal, which is a division of the Supreme Court.
- QCAT has its own Appeals Tribunal for reviewing its decisions.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specific advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
