When an application is received at the CTTT, a 'Notice of Hearing' is sent to all parties.  The notice tells you when and where the hearing will be, and information about the type of hearing you will be attending.

The hearing will generally be held 2 to 5 weeks after the application is received.  The hearing will be at a venue nearest to the place of contract or rented premises.

The notice of hearing will include a unique file number for your dispute.  This file number will be on all other correspondence from the CTTT.  Quote your file number when you call or write to the CTTT about your matter.

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If the hearing is set for a date or time you cannot make, write to the CTTT and ask for another hearing date or time.  This is called an 'adjournment'.

Adjournment requests must be made in writing and as soon as possible, at least 5 days before the hearing.

If your adjournment request is successful, you will be contacted and a new notice of hearing will be issued.  If your adjournment request is refused, the hearing will go ahead on the scheduled day. 

Learn more about adjournments.

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If you are unable to attend the hearing because you live too far away from the hearing venue, or you have health or other personal reasons that prevent you from attending in person, you can make a request to the CTTT to appear at the hearing by telephone.

Learn more about hearings by telephone.

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The CTTT arranges professional interpreters free of charge upon request for people who request language assistance.  Family and friends are not permitted to interpret during proceedings. 

If you need an interpreter, contact the CTTT on 1300 135 399 as soon as possible before the hearing date. 

Learn more about requesting an interpreter.

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Parties are encouraged to represent themselves at the hearing.  Although this may seem a difficult task, CTTT hearings are designed for you to put forward your own case.  You can expect to have your matter heard and determined fairly and according to law.

In tenancy disputes, landlords are often represented by their property manager (real estate agent) and tenants can be represented by a tenancy advocate.

In consumer and trader disputes, the trader will be represented by the owner, a director or other person who holds an official position in the business or company.

If you want to be represented, send a written request to the nearest CTTT Registry before the hearing date and arrange for your representative to bring a signed and dated written letter of authority to give to the Tribunal Member at the hearing.  The Tribunal Member will decide on the hearing day if you can be represented.

Learn more about representation.

Legal representation

The CTTT is designed for people to represent themselves at their hearing.  Parties can be legally represented in matters where the amount claimed is more than $30,000 or if the matter is a strata or community schemes dispute.

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If you have a disability-related need, this can be indicated on the application form.  If you do not wish to specify this on the form, or you are the respondent, contact the CTTT Registry on 1300 135 399 as soon as possible before the hearing. 

Learn more about accessibility at hearing.

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If you are the applicant and you no longer want to proceed with the hearing, you must withdraw your application.  Withdrawing an application cancels the hearing and finalises the matter.

To withdraw your application you must make your request in writing. 

Learn more about withdrawing an application.

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	Quote your file number if you call or write to the CTTT about your matter.
	If you need to request an adjournment, do this as early as possible and in writing.
	Be prepared to represent yourself at the hearing.
	Call the CTTT to arrange for an interpreter or other support and assistance if needed.
	If you are the applicant and no longer need a hearing, write to the CTTT to withdraw your application.

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