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Home
 About QPILCHFrequently Asked Questions |
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| Self Representation Service (QCAT) |
| What types of matters does the Self Representation Service (QCAT) help with? | |
The Self Representation Service (QCAT) may assist people with the following kinds of QCAT matters:
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1. Guardianship and Administration matters, such as:
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 | Applications for a declaration of capacity; and | |
Applications for the appointment or review of the appointment of a guardian or administrator to make a decision on behalf of an adult with impaired decision-making capacity. |
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2. Children Services matters, including the review of decisions made by:
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| Child Safety Services: Includes review of decisions to restrict or revoke contact between a child and their family; | |
The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian: Includes decisions to refuse ‘Blue Card’ applications; and | |
Education Queensland: Includes review of decisions to permanently exclude a student from State School attendance. |
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3. Anti-Discrimination matters, including:
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| Matters which have not been resolved by the Anti-Discrimination Commission and which have been referred by the Commissioner to QCAT; and | |
Applications for review of a decision by the Anti-Discrimination Commissioner that a complaint has lapsed (eg. when it is rejected). |
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4. Access to information and privacy matters, such as:
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| Referrals by the Information Commissioner where there is a question of law to be decided in an access to information dispute; | |
Appeals of a decision by the Information Commissioner to the QCAT Internal Appeal Tribunal about an access to information dispute; | |
Reviews of a declaration by the Information Commissioner that a person is vexatious applicant; and | |
Privacy complaints which are not resolved by the Information Commissioner. |
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5. Civil dispute matters:
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| Manufactured home park matters, including disputes about variation, termination or assignment of site agreements; | |
Retirement village matters, including disputes about compliance with residence contracts and threatened removal or restriction of residents; and | |
Residential tenancy matters, including disputes about termination of a residential tenancy or rooming accommodation agreement, return of bond, or proposed or existing tenancy database listings. |
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6. Appeals of QCAT decisions.
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| What can the Self Representation Service (QCAT) do? | |
The Self Representation Service (QCAT) provides the following legal assistance:
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| legal advice, including advice about appealing a QCAT decision; | |
assistance in drafting documents, including QCAT documents and correspondence; | |
advice about other options for the resolution of a dispute; and | |
advice about QCAT’s processes. |
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The service is limited to providing assistance within 45 minute appointments.
The Service may refer a matter, if appropriate, for further advice, support or representation.
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| Can I have a lawyer represent me at QCAT? | |
Representation is generally not permitted at QCAT. This means that you need to present your case to the tribunal yourself, without a lawyer. However, there are some circumstances where you can have a legal professional represent you:
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| If you are a child; | |
If you have impaired capacity; | |
If you are facing a disciplinary matter; or | |
Where QCAT gives you leave to be represented. |
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If you use the Self Representation Service (QCAT), the staff dealing with your matter will not attend your tribunal hearing with you. The Service does not provide representation or act on a person’s behalf. However, the Service can advise you about your representation rights.
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| Am I eligible for assistance? |  |
You will be eligible for assistance if your matter falls within one of the categories listed above.
The Service may refuse to provide assistance in certain matters, for example, where your matter does not have legal merit or where your request is so urgent that the Service cannot effectively assist you in time.
How much assistance the Service provides will depend on your ability to pay for private legal assistance. Priority will be given to those people who cannot afford private legal assistance.
You will not be eligible for assistance if the Service has a conflict of interest or if you are a declared vexatious litigant.
For more details about eligibility for assistance from the Service, please refer to the Self Representation Service (QCAT) Information Brochure.
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| How do I apply for assistance? | |
You can download a Client Intake Form from our website or alternatively obtain a copy from the QCAT registry. Complete the form and return it to us along with copies of any relevant documents. If you have problems accessing or printing the form, contact us, and we will send you a copy.
When completing the form, you should do your best to include details of your case, including the facts (what happened to you), a timeline of what happened, the legal assistance you are seeking and what outcome you would like to achieve. If you have difficulties filling out the form, please contact us for assistance.
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| What happens next? | |
We will assess your case and if you are eligible assistance we will contact you to make an appointment.
If you are not eligible for assistance, we will write to you explaining our reasons why we cannot assist you.
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| How much will it cost? | |
The Self Representation Service (QCAT) operates pro bono, which means that the services offered are free of charge.
You should be aware, however, that costs may be awarded against you by QCAT in certain cases. The Service can provide advice to you about cost risks.
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| Do I need to make an appointment? | |
The Self Representation Service (QCAT) will not provide legal advice to drop-in clients.
If you are eligible for assistance, you will be offered a 45 minute appointment with a solicitor. Further appointments may be made if necessary. Telephone appointments are available for people living outside of Brisbane.
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| How can I contact the Self-Representation Service (QCAT)? | |
The Self Representation Service (QCAT) office is located at the QCAT building, where you can contact us in person:
Level 11
Bank of Queensland Building
259 Queen Street
Brisbane 4000
You can contact us by post at:
Self Representation Service (QCAT), QPILCH
P.O. Box 3631
South Brisbane QLD 4101
The Service can also be contacted in the following ways:
Phone: (07) 3846 6317
Fax: (07) 3846 6311
Email: srs.qcatadmin@qpilch.org.au
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| What about my privacy? | |
The Self Representation Service (QCAT) is mindful of your privacy and will protect the personal information you share with us.
Please read our privacy policy below. You agree to this policy when you sign the Client Intake Form.
Link: http://www.qpilch.org.au/privacy.asp
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| What if I don’t need legal help anymore? | |
You are able to withdraw your application for assistance at any time. Please contact the Self Representation Service (QCAT) to let us know if you no longer require our assistance.
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