Post-Judgment Interest Queensland — How to Calculate What You're Owed

A money order earns post-judgment interest on the unpaid balance from the date it is made, unless the court orders otherwise. This is separate from any pre-judgment interest QCAT awarded as part of the original decision — and double-counting is not permitted.

The Legal Basis

Post-judgment interest is governed by section 59 of the Civil Proceedings Act 2011 (Qld) and its implementing practice directions. It applies from the date of the money order, unless the court orders otherwise; registration does not reset the start date. For day-by-day calculations, the Queensland Courts interest calculator starts with the day after the order.

The Rate

The rate is not fixed. It is adjusted every six months — on 1 January and 1 July — based on the Reserve Bank of Australia cash rate as of the preceding 31 December or 30 June, plus a statutory margin of 6.00% for post-judgment interest. For 1 July to 31 December 2026, the rate is 10.35% (4.35% cash rate plus 6%). The specific rate for each half-year is published by Queensland Courts under the relevant practice directions.

Because the rate changes, a judgment that takes two years to collect may span four different interest rate periods. Each period's interest must be calculated separately.

The Formula

Post-judgment interest is calculated as simple interest (not compound):

Interest = (P × R × T) / 365

Where:

• P = outstanding principal judgment debt
• R = applicable interest rate for that period (as a decimal)
• T = number of days in that rate period

For a $5,000 judgment at the current rate of 10.35% per annum, accruing over 90 days:

Interest = ($5,000 × 0.1035 × 90) / 365 = $127.60

If the rate changes mid-collection, you split the calculation at the changeover date and add the two periods together.

Why This Matters for Enforcement

When you apply for an enforcement warrant (Form 75, 76, 77, or 78), the supporting statement (Form 74) must include an accurate calculation of the total owed — principal plus accrued post-judgment interest plus recoverable enforcement costs. If your interest figure is wrong, the warrant amount will be wrong.

Form 74 must be sworn at least two business days before filing, which means your interest calculation must be current as of that swearing date.

Keeping a Court-Compliant Ledger

Track three columns for each rate period:

1. Principal balance at the start of the period
2. Interest rate and number of days
3. Interest accrued

Subtract any partial payments the debtor has made. Add recoverable enforcement costs (bailiff fees, service fees) as they are incurred.

Our Queensland QCAT Order Enforcement Guide includes an interest-and-cost ledger worksheet designed for exactly this — a structured format that attaches to your Form 74 as a registry-ready calculation.

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