Administrative Review in Queensland

By James Stevens, Director and Solicitor, Go To Court Lawyers. Last reviewed 4 May 2026.

If a Queensland government department or statutory body has made a decision that affects you — for example, refusing a licence, cancelling a benefit, declining a permit, or denying a workers' compensation claim — you may have the right to have that decision reviewed. This article explains how administrative review works in Queensland.

What is administrative review?

Administrative review is the process by which a government decision is independently reconsidered. The reviewer can confirm the original decision, vary it, or substitute a new one. Administrative review is distinct from a court appeal: it is generally less formal, focused on whether the right decision was made on the facts, and not limited to legal error.

In Queensland, administrative review of decisions made under state law is primarily handled by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). Decisions made under Commonwealth law are reviewed by the federal Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), regardless of which state the decision affects.

What kinds of decisions can be reviewed?

QCAT has jurisdiction over a wide range of decision types, including:

• Workers' compensation determinations
• Anti-discrimination complaints
• Guardianship and administration matters
• Children's services and blue card decisions
• Disciplinary matters for licensed professions
• Building disputes and minor civil disputes
• Residential tenancy disputes
• Decisions of certain Queensland government departments where review is provided for by the relevant Act

Whether a particular decision is reviewable depends on the Act under which it was made. If you are unsure, the decision-maker is required by law to tell you in their decision letter whether (and how) you can seek review.

How to apply for review

Applying for QCAT review involves:

1. Lodging an application form — generally within 28 days of being notified of the decision.
2. Paying the filing fee — fees vary; some matters have reduced or waivable fees.
3. Serving the original decision-maker with a copy of your application.
4. Preparing evidence — documents, statements, and any expert reports relevant to your case.
5. Attending the hearing — most QCAT hearings are conducted in-person or by video; some are determined on the papers.

Time limits in Queensland

Most QCAT applications for review must be lodged within 28 days of the original decision being given to you. Some matters have shorter or longer limits — for example, anti-discrimination complaints have specific timeframes set under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991. Missing the deadline does not always end your rights, but reinstatement applications are at QCAT's discretion and are not always granted.

Internal review before QCAT

For many Queensland government decisions, you must first seek internal review by the original department before QCAT can hear an external review. Internal review is conducted by a different officer of the same department and is usually a fast, no-fee process. Only after the internal review decision is given can you escalate to QCAT.

Judicial review (Supreme Court)

QCAT review is concerned with the merits of the decision — whether the right answer was reached on the evidence. Where a decision is challenged on the basis that it was made unlawfully (for example, the decision-maker took into account irrelevant considerations, or denied procedural fairness), the Queensland Supreme Court has jurisdiction to conduct judicial review under the Judicial Review Act 1991. Judicial review is more technical and generally requires legal representation.

Getting legal advice

Time limits for administrative review applications are short and strict. If you have received a decision from a Queensland government body that you wish to challenge, you should seek legal advice promptly. Go To Court Lawyers can advise on whether the decision is reviewable, the correct tribunal and timeframe, and how to prepare your application. Call our free legal hotline on 1800 951 176 or book a fixed-fee consultation online.