The Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal, known as NTCAT, hears tenancy disputes, small claims and a range of other civil and administrative matters. Unlike the courts, NTCAT publishes its hearing list once a week, covering Monday to Friday, and it is usually released on the Friday before. This page breaks the NTCAT hearing list into days, so you can see each day's hearings, venues and start times.
What NTCAT hears
NTCAT was set up under the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2014. A typical week's list includes matters under:
- Residential Tenancies Act 1999: bond disputes, rent arrears, termination and possession applications, and urgent hearings. These make up most of the list.
- Small Claims Act 2016: money claims under $25,000, which cannot be brought in the Local Court.
- Building Act 1993 and Unit Titles Act 1975: building and body corporate disputes, usually at directions hearings first.
- Guardianship of Adults Act 2016 and Administration and Probate Act 1969: these are closed hearings and are not shown here.
Venues on the hearing list
- Casuarina Hearing Room 1 and Casuarina Conference Room: Darwin hearings, at the NTCAT registry in The Met Building, CASCOM Building 5, Level 1, 13-17 Scaturchio Street, Casuarina.
- Westpoint Hearing Room 1: Alice Springs hearings, at the Westpoint Building, 1 Stott Terrace, Alice Springs.
Some matters are heard by phone or video. If the list shows a hearing room, attend there unless NTCAT has told you otherwise.
Reading the NTCAT hearing list
Each entry gives the venue, the start time (for example 9:30 AM), the matter number ending in CT, the parties, and the Act and type of hearing. Common types are:
- RTA Hearing: a residential tenancy hearing where a member decides the application.
- Compulsory Conference: a private meeting to try to settle the dispute, usually closed to the public.
- Directions Hearing: a short hearing to set timetables and next steps.
- Uncontested Hearing: the other party has not opposed the application.
- URGENT Hearing: listed at short notice, often about possession or safety.
Several matters can share one start time, so be ready to wait.
When the list changes
Because it covers a whole week, the hearing list can change after it is published. Urgent tenancy applications are added and other matters are adjourned or settled. If you are a party, rely on the notice of hearing NTCAT sent you and call the registry if anything differs.
Contact and registry hours
- Phone: 1800 604 622 or (08) 8944 8720
- Casuarina registry: The Met Building, CASCOM Building 5, Casuarina Village Level 1, 13-17 Scaturchio Street, Casuarina NT 0811, open 8.45am to 4pm
- Alice Springs registry: Westpoint Building, 1 Stott Terrace, Alice Springs NT 0870, open 8.45am to 4pm
- Postal (Darwin): PO Box 41860, Casuarina NT 0810
Staff cannot give legal advice. Tenants can get help from tenancy advice services, and the Darwin Community Legal Service publishes guides on going to NTCAT.
Getting to Casuarina
The Met Building is part of the Casuarina Village area next to Casuarina Square, about 13 kilometres from the Darwin CBD. Casuarina bus interchange is close by, and there is free parking around the centre.
NTCAT and the courts
Claims between $25,000 and $250,000 go to the Local Court instead; see the darwin court list. All Territory court and tribunal lists are linked from the nt court list page.
Frequently asked questions
When is the NTCAT hearing list released?
Usually on the Friday before the week it covers. It lists hearings from Monday to Friday.
Why can't I see a guardianship hearing?
Guardianship and probate applications are closed hearings, so they are not shown on this page.
What does CT at the end of the matter number mean?
It marks an NTCAT file. Quote the full number when you contact the registry.
Can I attend a tenancy hearing as an observer?
Most hearings are open to the public. Compulsory conferences and closed hearings are not.