Consumer guide for Small Claims Tribunal

Legal Aid Queensland has produced a user-friendly consumer guide for the Small Claims Tribunal, Attorney-General and Justice Minister Kerry Shine said today.

Mr Shine said the Small Claims Tribunal aims to provide a quick, low-cost way to make a claim of up to $7500.

“More than 16,400 applications were lodged with the Small Claims Tribunal last financial year (2005-06),” Mr Shine said.

“Applications are mostly for disputes between consumers and traders, among traders and for tenancy disputes.”

“Lawyers are not allowed in the Tribunal unless both sides agree.”

Mr Shine said the new 36-page guide provided information on the rights of a consumer, the procedure for lodging a small claim and how to fill out the forms required.

Copies of the Small Claims Tribunal Consumer Guide are available at www.legalaid.qld.gov.au. Legal Aid Queensland can be contacted at 1300 65 11 88 for free legal information.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 6400 or kirby.anderson@ministerial.qld.gov.au