NCAT to return to Gosford gateway centre

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) will move back to Gosford Gateway Centre allowing it to deliver improved services for the Central Coast, Attorney General Mark Speakman, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Scot MacDonald MLC and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch MP announced today. 

Since NCAT’s unavoidable departure from the Gateway Centre six months ago, most hearings have been conducted at Gosford Courthouse. NCAT has also been holding lengthier hearings in Newcastle. 

“I am pleased the hard work of the NSW Government to locate suitable accommodation has been successful.” Mr Speakman said. “Central Coast residents who rely on the work of the tribunal will have access to a refurbished facility in a familiar location, with two hearing rooms and five conciliation rooms.” 

Property NSW has signed a three-year lease, with hearings to begin at the centre by mid-July. “This is a win for Central Coast residents and it means they will have access to improved facilities and won’t have to travel to other locations for hearings,” Mr MacDonald said.  

For the first time, a Sheriff’s Officer will provide onsite security when required to improve safety for tribunal users. The Consumer and Commercial Division will sit every week, while the Guardianship Division will also regularly use a hearing room. On group list days there will be capacity to schedule up to 30 matters per day. 

Mr Crouch said, “NCAT helps more than 6,000 people per year from the Central Coast, making it an extremely valuable service for the region. The move back to the Gateway Centre confirms NCAT’s commitment to the Central Coast.”   

NCAT is a one-stop shop for tribunal services and the NCAT registry at Newcastle and Service NSW at Gosford will continue to support its operations. In 2015/16, NCAT conducted hearings in over 70 venues across NSW, with 34 per cent of hearings held in regional areas.