QCAT consultation paper released

Published Wednesday, 19 December, 2012 at 02:39 PM

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice
The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie is inviting the community to have a say on the operations of the Queensland Civil Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) as part of a review that starts today.

Mr Bleijie said QCAT was established in 2009 to make decisions on a range of civil matters and also to review the decisions of government agencies and other statutory authorities.

“QCAT is an important part of the state’s justice system and because of the types of matters heard many people have at some time had an involvement with it,” Mr Bleijie said.

“We have drafted a consultation paper that outlines the terms of reference for this statutory review and also canvasses a number of questions about how QCAT operates.

“The terms of reference require a review of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 to determine whether it meets its objectives or if amendments are needed.

“The review will look at appeals in the minor civil disputes jurisdiction, the legal representation of parties and QCAT’s regional services.

“QCAT was established to promote economical, informal and quick resolution of disputes and this review is an opportunity to make sure it is achieving this.

“The Government recently announced a trial of Justices of the Peace (JPs) in QCAT which will start next year.

“We hope the results of this trial will show the use of JPs reduces the cost of hearing disputes and improves the administration of Queensland’s justice system.”

Mr Bleijie reiterated the Government’s commitment to be open and transparent and encouraged interested parties to make a submission.

“This Government is about giving the people of Queensland access to information and data and allowing them to provide input on decision-making processes,” he said.

“This review will take into account the views of all Queenslanders, so if people would like to raise issues that are not contained in the paper, I encourage them to do so.”

The closing date for submissions is Friday 22 February 2013. To download the consultation paper or for more information please visit www.justice.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 19 December 2012    

Media contact: Lisa O’Donnell 0400 986 432