Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Central tribunal to simplify access to civil and administrative justice

State Parliament has today passed a bill to streamline access to civil and administrative justice in Queensland.

Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) represents the most significant reform to Queensland’s justice system in half a century.

“The establishment of QCAT will provide Queenslanders with access to civil and administrative justice through a single gateway, simplifying access to justice in our state,” Mr Dick said.

“Queenslanders will no longer have to negotiate the maze of administrative review bodies, tribunals and courts in order to identify where to seek redress.

“QCAT will amalgamate the jurisdictions of 23 bodies and tribunals into a single independent, efficient and accessible tribunal.

“The Bligh Government made a commitment last year to establish a new system of civil and administrative justice, which reflects the needs of modern day Queensland. Today we have delivered on that commitment.”

Mr Dick said the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Bill passed today enables the creation of the new tribunal, which is expected to be up and running on December 1 this year.

“The growth in the number of tribunals over past decades has caused confusion for users and has come at a cost to both government and the community,” Mr Dick said.

“In March 2008 the Government appointed an independent expert panel to provide advice about implementing a single new tribunal.

“The bills establishing QCAT implement the panel’s recommendations and have been the subject of much consultation to ensure the tribunal will meet its objectives.”

Mr Dick said QCAT will deal with a range of matters including:
• resolving disputes;
• reviewing decisions of government agencies and statutory bodies;
• making guardianship and administration orders; and
• conducting disciplinary proceedings for a range of professions and occupations.

Mr Dick said there are many benefits to the new system.

“QCAT will provide greater consistency and quality of decision making, through increased standardisation of procedure, the requirement to provide written reasons, increased access to appeals and great sharing of knowledge and resources,” he said.

“It will enable specialised approaches for particular jurisdictions through specialist procedures in enabling Acts and the transfer of existing members to QCAT.

“There will be an enhanced focus on early resolution of disputes, and greater openness and accountability in Government decision making.

“By dealing with matters in a way that is accessible, fair, just, economical and quick, QCAT will make the processes of our civil and administrative justice system easier for all Queenslanders.”

Mr Dick said the tribunals review website www.tribunalsreview.qld.gov.au provides information about the project, and from 1 December a QCAT website will provide information on how to access the new tribunal.


Media Contact: 3239 3487

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