Super tribunal marks successful first year​

NSW Attorney General Brad Hazzard has welcomed strong figures from the state’s super tribunal showing that more than 70 per cent of matters in 2014 were resolved at, or prior, to the first hearing. 

“It is good news for tens of thousands of consumers and small businesses that disputes in NSW are being resolved speedily and at low cost,” Mr Hazzard said. 

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), which was established on 1 January last year to consolidate the work of 22 former tribunals, has conducted more than 92,000 hearings. 

“From neighbours at war over a dividing fence to not getting exactly what you ordered for your mates buck's night, NCAT deals with a diverse range of cases across the state,” Mr Hazzard said. 

Along with consumer complaints and tenancy disputes NCAT also assists with guardianship applications for people who are unable to make decisions because of a disability. 

Mr Hazzard said NCAT was making digital access easy with two thirds of all applications relating to commercial and consumer disputes being lodged online. 

“The NCAT website has been very popular with more than 2.2 million page views last year. 

“I’m pleased to say the website has now been given a fresh new look and feel and been incorporated into the Department of Justice suite of sites making it easier for customers to access services and information in one central place. 

“NCAT is a one stop shop for specialist tribunal services in NSW with hearings being offered at 78 locations around the state. 

“The NSW Liberal & Nationals Government has a strong track record in delivering quality services to the community and the super tribunal is helping resolve disputes quickly and in a cost effective way,’’ Mr Hazzard said.