What is QCAT and how does it handle body corporate disputes?

QCAT is the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal — an independent tribunal that hears a wide range of civil and administrative disputes, including body corporate matters. In the body corporate context, QCAT can: - Hear appeals against adjudicators' orders made by the Commissioner's office - Enforce adjudicators' decisions - Deal with some disputes directly - Award costs - Issue enforcement orders and impose penalties QCAT proceedings are more formal than conciliation or adjudication. Parties can be legally represented, though many owners appear without a lawyer. Most body corporate disputes start with conciliation through the Commissioner's office rather than going directly to QCAT. QCAT is generally the escalation point after the Commissioner's process. This article is general information only and not legal advice.