ACAT Preliminary Conference and Hearing: What to Expect

The directions hearing notice lands in your mailbox, and now the question becomes: what actually happens when you walk into ACAT? Most self-represented parties have never set foot in a tribunal. Understanding the stages — from the initial directions hearing through to a final hearing — removes most of the anxiety.

The Directions Hearing

This is the first formal step after the respondent's 21-day response window. Both parties (or their authorised representatives) must attend, either in person at 15 Moore Street or remotely via telephone or video link under Practice Note 1 of 2026.

A directions hearing isn't a trial. The presiding member or registrar uses it to clarify what the dispute is actually about, see if settlement is possible, and issue procedural directions for the next steps. They'll ask both sides to summarise their position briefly, explore whether there's common ground, and set a timetable for exchanging evidence.

If the respondent didn't file a response and doesn't show up, the member can make final orders in the applicant's favour right there.

Case Triage: Three Tracks

ACAT routes claims into different resolution tracks depending on value and complexity:

Claims up to $3,000 without counterclaims — Conference and Immediate Determination. Both parties attend a combined preliminary conference. If settlement fails, the member hears the evidence and makes a binding decision the same day. For small debts, this can mean your matter is filed, heard, and decided within weeks.

Claims $3,001–$15,000 — Standard Mediation/Conference Track. A confidential conciliation or mediation session, facilitated by a member or registrar, where both sides negotiate toward a settlement. If no agreement is reached, the matter is listed for a separate hearing.

Claims over $15,000 — Conference and Evaluation. Both parties submit position statements and case summaries before a 2–3 hour structured conference. The member evaluates each side's strengths and weaknesses openly, which often pushes reluctant parties toward settlement.

Preparing for the Conference

For mid-tier and high-value claims, the tribunal may direct you to prepare a Summary Statement and a confidential Statement to the Convenor before the conference. The Summary Statement sets out your position and key evidence for both sides to see. The Statement to the Convenor is private — it tells the member your bottom line and what you'd accept to settle.

Prepare both carefully. A weak summary statement signals to the member (and the respondent) that your case isn't well-organised.

The Final Hearing

If conference doesn't produce a settlement, the matter goes to a full hearing. This is where you present your evidence, call witnesses, and make your case. The respondent does the same. The member asks questions, weighs the evidence, and makes a binding decision.

ACAT hearings are open to the public. Address the member as "Member" or their formal title. Don't interrupt the other side. No recording is permitted without a specific order.

Before the hearing, you'll have exchanged paginated evidence bundles with the respondent and filed copies with the tribunal, per the directions issued earlier. Bring original documents (contracts, invoices, photos) — copies go to the tribunal, but you may be asked to show the originals.

Remote Attendance

Under Practice Note 1 of 2026, you can attend directions hearings and final hearings by phone or video. Give the registry advance notice.

Adjournments

Need to postpone? File a Request for An Adjournment at least 5 business days before the hearing date, and contact the other side first to get their position. Filing the request doesn't automatically grant it — attend unless you receive formal confirmation from ACAT.

The ACAT civil dispute guide includes a hearing-day checklist covering what to bring, how to organise your evidence bundle, and what to expect from start to finish.

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