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Have Your Say: QCAT Act Review Releases First Issues Paper

Legislation

 

The Queensland Government has previously commenced a statutory review of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2009 (QCAT Act), which governs the operations of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

The review is being led by The Honourable David Thomas and will examine whether the QCAT Act continues to meet the needs of Queenslanders and ensure the tribunal remains accessible, efficient, and fair.

READ: Government Launches Overdue Review of QCAT Act | MPAQ

The Review has now released its first issues paper and six background papers seeking feedback from the public and industry stakeholders. Issues Paper 1 – QCAT’s Objects and Procedures Invites feedback on whether the objects of the QCAT Act remain appropriate and explores a range of procedural issues.

Background Papers:

  1. About the Review – outlines the terms of reference, scope, timeline, and how to participate.
  2. History of QCAT – provides context on how QCAT was established and outcomes of the first statutory review.
  3. Types of Jurisdictions – explains the range of matters QCAT can hear and how decisions are made.
  4. QCAT Decision Makers – details QCAT’s organisational and leadership structure, roles, and appointment processes.
  5. Tribunals in Other Jurisdictions – compares QCAT to other tribunals across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.
  6. QCAT’s Status as a Court – outlines QCAT’s standing as a court of record and related developments.

Submissions in response to the Issues Papers are open until 30 November 2025. Click below to access all documents.

QCAT Review - Issues Papers

Why It Matters

QCAT plays a vital role in resolving a wide range of matters affecting Queenslanders including building and construction disputes, tenancy matters, consumer issues, and licensing appeals. The outcomes of this review will influence how the Tribunal operates in the future and how efficiently it can serve both consumers and professionals, including those within the plumbing and gas industry.

Have Your Say

MPAQ encourages members to provide feedback for inclusion in our industry submission. To share your comments or input, please email info@mpaq.com.au.

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Author
Penny Cornah
Penny Cornah Chief Executive Officer

Penny Cornah is the Chief Executive Officer of the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) and has been with the Association since 2006. Penny is well known to MPAQ members and works closely with them and the Board on the raft of issues which currently face the industry. Penny identifies her role as heading the organisation that is the conduit between protecting community health and the environment. Penny is a strong leader in a male dominated industry and has earned respect throughout the plumbing fraternity. She has developed strong relationships within the Queensland Government ensuring the industry’s voice is heard at the highest levels. Penny was appointed as a Director to Master Plumbers Australia and New Zealand in 2012. Penny was appointed as a Director of QLeave in July 2016 and is also a Director of Construction Skills Queensland and the Chair of the Service Trades Council, roles that she is humbled to be given. The Service Trades Council is established under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 to provide a voice for the service trades, and to protect the public's health and safety as well as the environment.

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