Crisafulli Government delivers fresh start to QCAT Act review after major Labor delays
- The Crisafulli Government has appointed the Honourable David Thomas to review the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009.
- A review is required every five years to consider the legislative framework that regulates functions and operations.
- The announcement comes after the Labor Government failed to deliver the review in early 2024.
Retired Federal Court Judge, and former Supreme Court Justice, the Honourable David Thomas has been appointed to undertake the well overdue review of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 is required to be reviewed every five years, with the previous review finalised back in 2018.
The second review, previously announced to be completed in early 2024, remains outstanding on account of the Labor Government's failure to release a Departmental consultation paper and engage with stakeholders.
Mr Thomas is a former QCAT President, former President of the then Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal, a retired Judge of the Federal Court and former Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland.
QCAT hears and settles a vast range of complex civil, administrative, and disciplinary subject matters.
The independent tribunal provides mediation, dispute resolutions, decision-making and review services for Queenslanders, businesses, and Government.
The QCAT Act Review will identify ways to alleviate the operational issues experienced by the tribunal and how these pressures can be eased in an efficient and timely manner.
This is an important step towards ensuring the QCAT Act continues to meet objectives.
Mr Thomas will consider how the system can operate better for everyone and address the operational issues and roadblocks currently in place.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said the Crisafulli Government was bringing a fresh approach to the overdue review of the QCAT Act to ensure that services meet the needs of Queenslanders.
"We want to ensure that QCAT is appropriately designed to meet its objectives by focusing on the structure of the tribunal, legislation that confers jurisdiction and matters to the tribunal, and procedural and operational efficiencies," the Attorney-General said.
"Following the growing increase of hearing delays and backlogs, ways to alleviate rising pressures of the tribunal will be identified.
"Mr Thomas brings extensive experience and reliable insight into QCAT's position in Queensland's broader court and tribunal system.
"He will consult broadly with the legal community, QCAT customers, and the small business community, following the new Terms of Reference."
The review is due to be completed by 30 April 2026, with the final report to be tabled in the Legislative assembly.
