Possibly, but QCAT has separate routes and an unpaid invoice does not automatically fit the minor debt one. A minor debt application is for an agreed and fixed amount of $25,000 or less, excluding interest, and it cannot be used for consumer or trader disputes or for some building claims. Building disputes use a different route that requires a QBCC dispute resolution letter before QCAT will accept the application.[1][2]
Route one: minor debt
QCAT describes a minor debt claim as one to recover an agreed and fixed amount, or liquidated demand, of up to $25,000 excluding interest. It requires a previous agreement about payment; check the limitation period for the facts before applying. QCAT lists an unpaid invoice, account or demand, and work performed or goods supplied when the cost was agreed beforehand, among the debts that can be claimed, except where the dispute is with a consumer or trader.
It cannot be used if there was no previous agreement for the money to be paid, if the dispute is with a consumer or trader, or if the debt relates to supply of goods or services where the amount was not agreed beforehand. Claims against a builder for losses associated with residential building work are also listed as excluded.
Sources[1]
Route two: building dispute
QCAT decides disputes about domestic and commercial building work, and a contractor can apply. The disputes it hears include the provision of electrical work, water supply, sewerage or drainage services for a building. Before applying, parties must take part in a QBCC dispute resolution process, and you must give QCAT a QBCC letter stating the outcome or stating that no process is required for your dispute. Without it, QCAT may refuse or dismiss the application.
QCAT has no monetary claim limit for domestic building disputes. For a commercial building dispute above $50,000, the parties must consent in writing to QCAT deciding it and file the consent with the application. The $25,000 minor debt cap is a separate rule.
Choose the pathway before you apply
QCAT registry staff can explain forms and processes but cannot advise whether you are filing under the correct legal area, for example minor debt or consumer or trader. That choice is yours, so consider legal advice. The table is our routing checklist, not legal advice.
| Question | If yes | If no |
|---|---|---|
| Was a fixed amount agreed beforehand? | Minor debt may fit, if the other exclusions do not apply | Minor debt is unlikely to fit |
| Is the claim $25,000 or less, excluding interest? | Within the minor debt amount | You may reduce the claim to $25,000 or look at other courts, with advice |
| Is it with a consumer or trader? | Check the consumer or trader route instead | Continue the minor debt check |
| Is it a dispute about building work or services for a building? | Check the building dispute route and the QBCC letter | Continue the minor debt check |
Evidence and routing pack
Gather these before you decide, and add your own dates. Fees and timeframes are on the current QCAT pages, so check them there.
EVIDENCE AND ROUTING PACK Customer name and legal entity: [name, ABN or ACN] Date agreement made: [DD/MM/YYYY] Price agreed beforehand: [yes / no, where recorded] Quote or contract: [saved at] Invoices: [numbers, dates, amounts] Payments received: [dates and amounts] Variations agreed in writing: [list] Reminders and demand sent: [dates and method] Customer response or dispute: [summary] Type of dispute: [minor debt / consumer or trader / building] If building: QBCC letter received [yes / no, date] Advice taken: [name, date]
Common questions
- What should I do if my client isn't paying my invoice in Australia?
- In Queensland, once polite chasing has failed, the next step depends on the dispute. QCAT's minor debt route is for agreed and fixed amounts up to $25,000 excluding interest, outside consumer or trader and building loss disputes. Building disputes need a QBCC dispute resolution letter first.[1][2]
Official sources
Checked 16 October 2026. Rules can change; use these sources to check the requirements for your job.
Related guides
- How do I write a letter of demand for unpaid trade work?
- What should a tradie's overdue invoice letter say?
- How do I make a Queensland security of payment claim?
Job workflows for plumbers.
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