Complaint & Dispute Finder

Yes, in most cases. Each state has a tribunal (such as NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria, or QCAT in Queensland) that can order a tradesperson to pay compensation or rectify defective work. The amount you can claim varies by jurisdiction — for example, NCAT can hear home building claims up to $500,000. You'll need evidence such as photos, expert reports, contracts, and receipts to support your claim.

Time limits vary by state and the type of issue. In most states, statutory warranty periods for building work range from 2 to 6 years for general defects and up to 10 years for structural defects. For example, in NSW the statutory warranty period is 2 years for minor defects and 6 years for major defects from the date of completion. It's best to lodge your complaint as soon as you identify the issue.

Gather as much documentation as possible: your written contract or quote, all invoices and proof of payment, photos and videos of the defective or incomplete work, any written correspondence with the tradesperson (emails, texts, letters), and the tradesperson's licence number if available. An independent expert report or building inspection can also strengthen your case significantly.

For most initial complaints to regulatory bodies (like QBCC, NSW Fair Trading, or CBOS), you do not need a lawyer. These processes are designed to be accessible to consumers. However, if your dispute escalates to a tribunal or court hearing, or if the claim involves a significant amount of money, legal advice can be very helpful. Many community legal centres offer free initial consultations.

If you discover that a tradesperson performed work without the required licence, report it to your state's licensing body immediately. Unlicensed work is an offence in all states, and the tradesperson can face significant fines. You may also have additional consumer rights — in some states, you can void the contract and seek a full refund. The relevant authority can advise you on your specific options.

Yes, you can still lodge a complaint even without a written contract. However, having documentation (such as text messages, emails, or records of payment) will make your case stronger. In most states, contracts over a certain value (e.g., $5,000 in NSW) are required to be in writing. If the tradesperson failed to provide a written contract when required, this may itself be a breach of licensing conditions.

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral mediator helps both parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. It's typically faster and less formal than a tribunal hearing. A tribunal hearing (at NCAT, VCAT, QCAT, etc.) is a formal proceeding where a member hears evidence from both sides and makes a legally binding decision. Most dispute resolution bodies require you to try mediation before proceeding to a hearing.

Lodging a complaint with a regulatory body (like NSW Fair Trading, QBCC, or VBA) is typically free. Tribunal application fees vary by state and claim amount — for example, QCAT minor civil dispute fees start from around $72.80, NCAT fees start from $53 for claims under $10,000, and VCAT fees start from $73.80 for claims under $15,000. Fee waivers may be available for people experiencing financial hardship.