How to Lodge a QCAT Response by Post or in Person

Not Everyone Uses QCase — Paper Filing Still Works

QCAT's QCase portal handles most digital filings, but not every respondent can or wants to file online. If you prefer paper — or your evidence bundle is too large for QCase's 10MB attachment limit — you can lodge your Form 7 response in person at a registry counter or by post.

The rules for paper filing are specific. Get them wrong and your response may be returned unprocessed, which is a problem when you have a 28-day deadline.

What to Submit

For a paper Form 7 response, you must provide:

• The original completed Form 7
• Three (3) copies of the Form 7
• One additional copy for each extra party named in the dispute beyond the first applicant
• A stamped, self-addressed A4 envelope so the registry can return your sealed copies by post

If you are attaching supporting documents (contracts, invoices, photographs), include the same number of copies of those attachments. The registry needs copies for the tribunal file, for you (sealed), and for each opposing party.

Where to Lodge

File your response at the same registry where the original application was lodged. This is printed on the initiating papers you were served. The two main options are:

• Brisbane Registry — Level 11, 259 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 (counter hours typically 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday)
• Regional Magistrates Courts — Magistrates Courts across Queensland act as QCAT registries. If the application was filed in Townsville, Cairns, or another regional court, lodge your response there

For postal lodgement, send your documents to:

QCAT GPO Box 1639 Brisbane QLD 4001

Post carries a risk: if your documents arrive after the 28-day deadline, you are late regardless of when you posted them. Allow several business days for delivery and consider using registered post so you have a tracking record.

After Lodging

Once the registry accepts your response, it stamps and seals your copies. These sealed copies are what you serve on the other party. If you lodged in person, you receive them at the counter. If you lodged by post, the registry mails them back in the self-addressed envelope you provided.

Serving the sealed copy on the applicant is your responsibility — the registry does not do it for you. You must serve within the original 28-day period.

The 28-Day Deadline Still Applies

Paper filing takes longer than online filing. Between preparing copies, travelling to the registry or posting documents, and waiting for sealed copies to be returned, you can easily burn a week of your 28-day window. Plan ahead. If you wait until day 25 to start preparing your paper filing, you will likely miss the deadline.

For the full response process — including how to track your deadline and what to include in your Form 7 — the Responding to a QCAT Minor Civil Dispute guide covers both paper and digital filing paths.

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