NTCAT Remote Hearing: How to Appear by Phone or Video

The Northern Territory is vast, and NTCAT's registries are in Casuarina (Darwin) and Alice Springs. If you live in Katherine, Tennant Creek, or anywhere else in the Territory, getting to a hearing in person can mean a long and expensive trip. NTCAT allows remote attendance by phone or video conference — but you can't just dial in on the day. You need formal permission in advance.

How to Request Remote Attendance

Submit a Form 3 Ordinary Application to NTCAT as early as possible before your hearing date. There's no filing fee for this request.

In the application, explain why you can't attend in person. The tribunal considers factors such as health, geographical distance, or safety concerns.

Permission is granted on a case-by-case basis. NTCAT can approve phone attendance, Microsoft Teams video, or another video platform depending on the circumstances and the tribunal member's preference.

Phone Hearing Protocol

If NTCAT approves telephone attendance, you need to provide a direct landline or reliable mobile number. The tribunal calls you at the scheduled hearing time — you don't call them.

Be available from the scheduled start time and keep the line clear. If NTCAT calls and you don't answer, the matter can proceed in your absence, with the tribunal making orders based solely on the other party's evidence.

Make sure you're in a quiet location with reliable reception. Background noise, dropped calls, or a flaky mobile connection can undermine your ability to participate effectively.

Video Hearing via TEAMS

If your video appearance is approved, follow the connection instructions NTCAT provides. Join early enough to test your audio and video. The same rules of formality apply as an in-person hearing — the tribunal member controls the proceedings, and you present evidence and answer questions as you would in the hearing room.

Have your evidence bundle accessible during the hearing, with documents organized by index number so you can reference them when directed.

Requesting an Adjournment

If you can't attend on the scheduled date at all — whether in person or remotely — you can apply for an adjournment using the same Form 3 Ordinary Application. This asks the tribunal to postpone the hearing to a later date.

Adjournment requests are discretionary. Explain why you need the change and include relevant supporting information.

Don't assume that filing the Form 3 automatically delays the hearing. Until the tribunal formally issues an adjournment order, the original date stands.

Don't Confuse the Registry with the Tribunal

Calling the NTCAT registry to say you can't attend doesn't constitute a formal application for remote attendance or adjournment. Registry staff can provide administrative information and accept filings, but they can't grant procedural orders. Only a tribunal member can approve your request, and that requires a filed Form 3.

For a structured checklist that covers remote attendance logistics and every other step of the NTCAT response process, see the NTCAT Response Guide.

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