Responding to a QCAT Consumer or Trader Dispute

Consumer and Trader Disputes Follow Different Rules

If you were served with a Form 1 — Application for Minor Civil Dispute (Consumer/Trader Dispute), the response process works differently from a minor debt claim. The distinction matters because the rules around deadlines, response forms, and counter-applications are all different.

Consumer and trader disputes arise from contracts for the supply of goods or services — a customer claiming a tradie did faulty work, a retailer disputing a refund demand, a buyer claiming a product was not as described. These claims can be up to $25,000.

No Mandatory Response Form

Unlike minor debt disputes (Form 3), where you must file a Form 7 response within 28 calendar days, consumer and trader disputes do not have the 28-day Form 7 response requirement.

Instead, you should submit your evidence and any written reply to QCAT and serve copies on the other party at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing date. There is no 28-day response countdown ticking from the day you were served.

That said, do not take this as permission to ignore the claim. If you do nothing and fail to appear at the hearing, the tribunal can still proceed and make a decision in your absence. The absence of a mandatory response deadline is not the same as having unlimited time.

You Can File a Counter-Application

In consumer and trader disputes — unlike minor debt claims — respondents can file a Form 8 — Minor Civil Dispute Counter-Application to seek their own relief against the applicant. If a customer is claiming a refund for renovation work, and you believe they owe you money for additional work they requested, you can counterclaim within the same proceeding.

Form 8 must be filed at the registry where the original application was lodged, accompanied by the prescribed filing fee ($96.30 to $405.60 depending on the amount, as of 1 July 2026). You must serve a copy of Form 8 on all parties within 7 days of filing.

Once lodged, QCAT joins the main application and your counter-application to be heard together.

Mediation Before Hearing

For claims over $1,500, QCAT automatically lists consumer and trader disputes for mandatory mediation before scheduling a hearing. A QCAT mediator facilitates the session — they do not take sides or make a decision. If mediation resolves the dispute, the terms can be recorded as a consent order. If it does not, the matter moves to a hearing.

Claims at or under $1,500 bypass mediation and go directly to a hearing.

Prepare Your Evidence Early

Even though there is no mandatory response form, the strongest position for any respondent is to prepare early. Gather contracts, invoices, text messages, photographs, and any other documents that support your case. Organise them chronologically, number each page, and create an index.

QCAT adjudicators rely heavily on documentary evidence. An organised evidence bundle makes a stronger impression than loose papers handed up at the last minute.

For the complete respondent process across all QCAT dispute types, the Responding to a QCAT Minor Civil Dispute guide covers minor debt, consumer/trader, and tenancy disputes with separate checklists for each pathway.

See more Queensland guides →