ACAT Civil Dispute Appeal — Time Limits, Fees, and How to Challenge a Decision

An unfavourable ACAT decision is not necessarily the end. Under Division 8.1 of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008, you can appeal a final civil dispute decision to the ACAT Appeal Tribunal on questions of fact, law, or both. But the window is tight, the fees are substantial, and the process does not pause enforcement unless you specifically apply for a stay.

The 28-Day Appeal Window

You must file your Application for Appeal within 28 calendar days of the date of the decision — not 28 days from when you received the written reasons. If you need the tribunal's reasoning before deciding whether to appeal, request a formal Statement of Reasons in writing (to [email protected]) within 14 days of the order. But the 28-day appeal clock runs from the order date regardless, so do not wait for written reasons before filing if the deadline is approaching.

Appeal Fees

The filing fees are at the top end of ACAT's schedule:

• Individuals: $707
• Corporations: $1,415

Corporations with annual turnover under $200,000 or incorporated not-for-profit organisations pay the individual rate. Concession card holders are exempt. Hardship waivers can be applied for using the Request About Payment of Fees form.

What the Appeal Tribunal Considers

The ACAT Appeal Tribunal is an internal body constituted by one or more Presidential Members. Set out the alleged error of fact or law in the original decision.

You need to identify the factual or legal error you rely on.

Applying for a Stay

Filing an appeal does not automatically pause enforcement of the underlying order. The party who won can register the order with the ACT Magistrates Court and begin enforcement proceedings while your appeal is pending.

To suspend enforcement, file an Application for Interim or Other Orders (the 231KB PDF form) and tick the "Stay" box. You must show that a stay is necessary to preserve the subject matter of the dispute or prevent irreparable prejudice — for example, that the judgment creditor would seize assets that could not be recovered if the appeal succeeds.

Beyond the Appeal Tribunal — ACT Supreme Court

If the Appeal Tribunal's decision is also unfavourable, a further appeal lies to the ACT Supreme Court under section 86 of the ACAT Act, but only on questions of law and with leave (permission) from the Court.

For a full walkthrough of post-decision options — appeals, set-asides, stays, and enforcement — see the ACT ACAT Response Guide.

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