QCAT Telephone, Video and Online Hearings — How Remote Attendance Works

QCAT Offers Remote Hearing Options

Not every QCAT hearing requires you to sit in a tribunal room. QCAT conducts hearings in person at the Brisbane Registry and regional Magistrates Courts, but also offers remote attendance by telephone or video conferencing. If you cannot attend in person — because of distance, health, work commitments, or other practical barriers — you can request to attend remotely.

Remote hearings are not automatic. You have to ask.

How to Request Remote Attendance

File an official request with QCAT at least 7 days before your hearing date. Check QCAT's current instructions for the submission method.

Your request should explain:

• Why you cannot attend in person (distance from the hearing venue, medical restrictions, work obligations)
• Whether you prefer telephone or video
• A phone number or email address where the tribunal can reach you on the hearing day

QCAT decides whether to grant remote attendance. If the adjudicator considers that the matter requires in-person attendance — for example, because physical evidence needs to be inspected — your request may be refused.

Telephone Hearings

If approved for telephone attendance, the registry will provide instructions on when to expect the call or which number to dial in on. Make sure you are in a quiet location with reliable phone reception at the scheduled time.

During a telephone hearing:

• The adjudicator will identify all parties on the call
• You present your case and respond to questions, just as you would in person
• Evidence should have been filed and served in advance — you cannot hand over documents during a phone hearing
• If you have witnesses, confirm with the registry whether they can also attend by phone

Video Hearings

Video hearings use conferencing platforms. The registry will send you connection details before the hearing. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.

Video hearings follow the same procedure as in-person hearings. The adjudicator can see your face, you can see theirs, and evidence is referenced from documents already on file.

Regional Respondents

If you live in regional Queensland and the hearing is scheduled at the Brisbane Registry, a telephone or video hearing can save significant travel time. Regional Magistrates Courts also serve as QCAT hearing venues, so ask the registry whether one is available for your case.

Evidence Still Needs to Be Filed in Advance

Whether you attend in person, by phone, or by video, all documentary evidence must be filed with QCAT and served on the other party at least 7 days before the hearing (or earlier if the tribunal has directed a specific deadline). You cannot email documents to the adjudicator during a remote hearing.

For the complete hearing preparation process — including what evidence to file and how to organise it — the Responding to a QCAT Minor Civil Dispute guide walks through every step from response to hearing day.

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