The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, known as ACAT, hears rental, consumer and other civil disputes, reviews of ACT Government decisions and a range of other applications. It sits at Allara House, 15 Constitution Avenue, Canberra City, a short walk from the Law Courts on Knowles Place. ACAT publishes its hearings and listings in the same format as the courts, and this page sets out the day's list with case numbers, party names and start times.
What ACAT deals with
ACAT was set up in 2009 under the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2008. Its case types include:
- rental property disputes between tenants and landlords, and retirement village and unit title disputes
- civil disputes, small claims and fence disputes. Civil claims under $25,000 must be brought in ACAT rather than the Magistrates Court
- consumer complaints and Fair Trading conciliation agreements
- discrimination and conversion practice complaints
- energy and water hardship and complaints
- occupational regulation and discipline
- reviews of ACT Government decisions and motor accident injury matters
- guardianship and management of property, mental health and cases about children and young people
Mental health applications and applications to change the identity details of young people are confidential and heard in private, so they never appear on a public list. Appeals can go to ACAT's own appeal tribunal and then to the ACT Supreme Court.
How to read the ACAT hearing list
ACAT's list has three columns, the same layout used by the ACT courts:
- Case number, a prefix and number followed by the year, for example RT/1054/26. Rental matters generally carry RT numbers and civil disputes carry XD numbers, and these two make up most of a normal day.
- Name, usually written as applicant v respondent. Companies often appear with their ACN.
- Hearing date and time, such as 21 Oct 2026 9:30 AM.
Hearing rooms are not shown. The notice ACAT sent you sets out where and how you will attend, whether in person, by phone or by video. Some rows show Suppressed instead of a name because an order or law limits publication, and those rows are not reproduced here. On this page given names are shortened to initials.
A normal sitting day has a few dozen listings, with rental hearings and civil disputes spread through the morning and afternoon.
Finding ACAT at Allara House
The entry to ACAT faces an outdoor plaza between the Nara Centre and Allara House, with ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal signage over the main door. You can reach the plaza:
- directly from London Circuit by walking under the Nara Centre, which is the step-free route
- from 5 Constitution Avenue, by the stairs or the outdoor lift
- by the stairs from Nangari Street, which has no step-free access
ACAT cannot be reached from Allara Street. The BindiMaps app or BindiWeb can guide you inside the building.
Parking and public transport
Street parking is very limited: one hour bays on Constitution Avenue and Allara Street, and paid bays on Nangari Street. Larger options are the City Hill car park (from Constitution Avenue), the Canberra Olympic Pool car park (from Allara Street), the National Convention Centre underground car park, the multi-storey car park at 5 Nangari Street and the underground car park at Constitution Place, 1 Constitution Avenue. Disability permit parking is available on Nangari Street (three spaces) and at the City Hill car park (20 spaces). ACAT suggests paying for plenty of time in case your matter runs long.
Buses stop on London Circuit and Constitution Avenue. The Alinga Street light rail stop and the City bus station are about a ten minute walk away.
Registry hours and phone
The registry counter and phone line are open from 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Call (02) 6207 1740 and choose the queue for your matter: 1 for small claims, fence, consumer and civil disputes, 2 for rental property, retirement village and unit title disputes, 3 for mental health and guardianship, and 4 for energy and water. Postal address: GPO Box 370, Canberra ACT 2601.
Frequently asked questions
Are ACAT hearings open to the public?
Most ACAT hearings and decisions are open to the public unless the tribunal orders otherwise. Mental health and young people's identity applications are always private.
Why is my ACAT hearing not on the list?
It may have been adjourned, resolved at a conference or mediation, or listed with a suppressed name. Check your notice of hearing or ring the registry on (02) 6207 1740.
Can I attend my ACAT hearing remotely?
Some hearings are held by phone or video. Your notice of hearing says how you are expected to attend, and you can ask the registry if you need a different arrangement.
Where are court cases heard in Canberra?
Criminal matters and larger civil claims go to the ACT Law Courts on Knowles Place. See the ACT Magistrates Court list and the ACT Supreme Court daily list.