Disputes Tribunal claim limit change...

Recent legislation has expanded the financial limit for claims filed in the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 up to $60,000. The change is set to take effect on 24 January 2026, giving parties access to the Tribunal for higher-value disagreements.

The increase is designed to enable more people and businesses to resolve civil disputes in a simpler, less costly, setting instead of going through the formal court system.

A new filing fee applies to the higher value claims: for disputes above $30,001, the fee will be $468. Even with the higher fee tier, using the Tribunal will still cost far less than pursuing the same claim through the courts.

The Tribunal will continue to handle everyday civil disputes, such as disagreements about car accidents, goods, services, business deals, and minor property issues. It allows parties to handle their disputes without the complex procedures used in court.

The expansion in limits does not alter the type of disputes the Tribunal handles. Renting or body corporate issues, Wills, family law, and employment matters still fall outside its scope.

What this means from 24 January 2026

• Disputes in the $30,000 to $60,000 range, including contract disagreements for goods or service work, larger consumer purchases, or business-to-business claims, can now be heard before the Tribunal rather than going to court.
• Although the fee is higher for larger claims, for consumers and small businesses this offers a more accessible path to a decision without the time, cost, and complexity associated with the court system.
• Those considering filing a claim should review the value of their dispute in light of the new threshold and consider whether the Tribunal will now be the more efficient venue for resolution.

Key takeaways

• If you have a dispute that falls between $30,000 and $60,000 in value, it is wise to plan ahead before the new limit starts.
• Ensure your evidence is well organised, including contracts, invoices, correspondence, photographs, expert reports, and other relevant materials that can support your claim.
• Check that your dispute is a civil issue that the Tribunal can deal with. Matters concerning family law, employment, or renting are outside the Tribunal’s scope.
• Once the change takes effect, make sure you apply the correct filing fee.

Leading law firms committed to helping clients cost-effectively will have a range of fixed-price Initial Consultations to suit most people’s needs in quickly learning what their options are.  At Rainey Collins we have an experienced team who can answer your questions and put you on the right track.