ByLawyers News and Updates

Jurisdiction of Small Claims Division increased – NSW

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An amendment to section 29(1)(b) of the Local Court Act sees the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Division increased from 28 February 2019.

The jurisdictional limit of the Local Court when sitting in its Small Claims Division will now be $20,000 as of 28 February.

Previously the jurisdictional limit was $10,000. The amendment does not apply to proceedings instituted in the Court before 28 February 2019.

This increase was legislated under the Justice Legislation Amendment Act (No 3) 2018 No 87 with commencement upon proclamation. The Governor of NSW made the proclamation on 13 February 2019.

The By Lawyers Local Court Civil publication has been updated accordingly.

Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) – Jurisdiction – Interstate disputes

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The recent High Court decision in Burns v Corbett [2018] HCA 15 confirms that state tribunals do not have jurisdiction in interstate disputes, unless the tribunal is constituted as a state court. The decision only concerned the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal and confirms the NCAT does not have jurisdiction in interstate disputes. This may affect the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal as there is doubt over whether or not QCAT is constituted as a state court.

Where claims involve interstate disputes, careful consideration of the appropriate forum is required.

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