- The Crisafulli Government has invested almost $4 million for long overdue upgrades to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, after Labor left QCAT underfunded and under-resourced.
- Five new hearing rooms and two new mediation rooms have been opened so matters can be heard sooner.
- The major expansion has added 800 square metres of extra floor space to accommodate QCAT's growing workload.
- Expanded facilities coincide with the appointment of Justice Scott McLeod as President and the completion of the statutory review of the QCAT Act.
The Crisafulli Government has invested nearly $4 million to expand the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) in Brisbane, delivering new hearing and mediation rooms to meet growing demand and improve access for Queenslanders.
The major expansion project increases the floorspace of Level 8 of QCAT's Brisbane premises by approximately 800 square metres.
Five new hearing rooms and two new mediation rooms have also been added as part of the upgraded layout, bringing QCAT's total complement to 28 rooms.
The renovations also include a new reception area, bolstered security, and a LawRight office to provide legal assistance to Queenslanders who need it.
The official opening of the new hearing rooms coincide with Justice Scott McLeod's commencement as President, and the release of the Honourable Justice David Thomas' review of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009.
The Crisafulli Government appointed the former QCAT President and Supreme Court Judge to review the Act, to identify ways to address operational challenges and alleviate pressures faced by the Tribunal, after Labor failed to deliver the review in early 2024.
The report's findings will be closely considered to improve QCAT's operations and efficiency.
Since the Crisafulli Government took office, QCAT has already reported reductions in wait times for a first hearing and in time taken to finalise matters, in 75 per cent of cases.
From 31 October 2024 to 30 June 2026, the number of weeks for a first hearing dropped in the following categories, from:
- 123 weeks to 90 weeks for building matters
- 143 weeks to 57 weeks for retail shop leases
- 169 weeks to 90 weeks for neighbourhood disputes
- 158 weeks to 33 weeks for other civil disputes
- 35 weeks to 23 weeks for guardianship
In the same period, the time taken to finalise QCAT matters reduced in the following categories, from:
- 106 weeks to 47 weeks for retail shop leases
- 46 weeks to 30 weeks for child protection
- 85 weeks to 61 weeks for other civil disputes
- 35 weeks to 24 weeks for guardianship
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said there is more work to do to reduce delays, but the Crisafulli Government's record shows its commitment to boosting resources and capacity in Queensland's justice system to hear cases sooner.
"Each year, QCAT's work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of Queenslanders, and I'm proud to be investing in the Tribunal's long-term capability as it enters its next chapter," the Attorney-General said.
"I would like to congratulate and formally welcome Justice McLeod as President, who is exceptionally well placed to continue QCAT's progress."
"By investing in this major expansion project and funding an additional Queensland Supreme Court Judge for the first time in eight years, the Crisafulli Government is improving access to justice for Queenslanders and ensuring QCAT is equipped to meet its evolving needs."
