In minor civil dispute proceedings including tenancy, minor debt, consumer/trader and dividing fence disputes, QCAT generally organises a final hearing to decide the case
QCAT may organise various proceedings before the final hearing to assist parties to resolve a dispute. If your matter cannot be resolved or settled, QCAT will then organise a final hearing where a decision will be made.This page contains general information to help you understand different proceedings, you may be required to attend on the papers hearing:
On the papers hearing
An “on the papers hearing” is a hearing heard in the absence of parties. The parties do not make oral submissions and a decision is made based on the written material and submissions filed by the parties.
This type of proceeding is used for making decisions on preliminary points, applications to prepare your case, or, if directed, the final decision in the dispute between the parties.
For example, QCAT may use an on the papers hearing to make decisions about requests for legal representation or a non-publication order.
How will I be notified of an on the papers hearing?
Formal notice is not always issued for on the papers hearings. If a notice is not issued, QCAT will notify the parties via written directions if decisions will be made on the papers.
As these types of hearings are dealt with in the absence of the parties, you are not required to attend on the papers hearings. QCAT will notify you of the outcome of the on the papers hearing when a decision has been made.
*Disclaimer – The above information was taken from the Queensland Civil & Administrative website as accurate in January 2023. If any changes are made by the court from that date they may not be reflected in this post