New QCAT COVID-19 directions

QCAT has issued a number of practice directions, particularly in regard to its hearings, that property managers should be aware of.

Essentially, QCAT will conduct its hearings remotely but will consider in-person attendance under certain circumstances if enough notice if given.

A summary of the directions is below:

• Irrespective of whether the Notice of Hearing states that personal attendance is required, until further notice, all oral hearings will be conducted by remote conferencing, unless otherwise directed by the Tribunal.
• All applications and other documents should be filed either online, by email or by post to the relevant registry. No documents should be filed in person unless it is not possible for the party to file electronically or by post.
• All documents a party wishes to rely on must be filed in the relevant registry at least three business days before the hearing.
• A party who wishes to participate in the hearing must provide their best telephone number to the relevant registry at least three business days before the hearing.
• A party who wishes to appear in person at the hearing must provide written notice to the relevant registry and all other parties no later than three business days before the hearing. The tribunal will then decide how the matter will proceed, including whether personal appearance is permitted. If personal appearance is permitted, the party must ensure they provide in writing their contact details and confirmation that the person:
  • has not been currently diagnosed with COVID-19;
  • is not presently awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test;
  • has not been in close contact with another who already has COVID-19 such as to require the person to self-quarantine (in accordance with Queensland Government guidelines and recommendations);
  • is not suffering any of the symptoms of COVID-19.
• QCAT also mandates the wearing of masks and checking-in by members of the public when attending QCAT's premises.

If you want to read more articles like this, visit our COVID-19 posts.