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New bill rids Qld of maze of tribunals

user iconThe New Lawyer 19 June 2009 SME Law

Queensland State Parliament has passed a bill to streamline access to civil and administrative justice in Queensland.

QUEENSLAND State Parliament has passed a bill to streamline access to civil and administrative justice in Queensland. 

The sunshine state's Attorney-General Cameron Dick said the new Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal is the most significant reform to Queensland's justice system in half a century. 

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal Bill, passed yesterday, enables the creation of the new tribunal, which is expected to be running on 1 December this year. 

"The establishment of QCAT will provide Queenslanders with access to civi and administrative justice through a single gateway, simplifying access to justice in our state," Dick said. 

"Queenslanders will no longer have to negotiate the maze of administrative review bodies, tribunals and courts in order to identify where to seek redress."

Dick said the growth in the number of tribunals over recent decades has caused confusion for users. This has come at a cost to both government and the community,  he said.

"QCAT will amalgamate the jurisdictions of 23 bodies and tribunals into a single independent, efficient and accessible tribunal," Dick said. 

The reforms will see a renewed focus on early resolution of disputes, and more openness and accountability in Government decision making, the Attorney said. 



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