Adjournments

An adjournment is when a hearing or other type of listing is changed to another date.

Consider your alternatives

Before requesting an adjournment, ask NCAT what alternatives are available to you. These may include:

• A telephone or video link hearing
• Providing submissions and evidence in written form only
• Applying for another person to represent you at the hearing

Please note there is no automatic right to these alternatives. NCAT will assess your request and determine whether appropriate in the circumstances of your particular case.

How to request an adjournment

Make your adjournment request to NCAT as soon as possible.

Step 1: Contact the other party

You must contact all other parties and let them know you want to change the hearing date. Ask them if they agree to the adjournment and to send their response in writing.

Step 2: Put your request in writing

• Consumer and Commercial Division matters 
  Complete the Adjournment request form (PDF, 155.0 KB) and submit via NCAT Online Services.
• All other Divisions and Appeals
  Send your written request to NCAT clearly stating the reasons why you need to change the date.

Step 3: Attach supporting documents

You must attach supporting documents with your adjournment request.  This should include any responses received from the other parties. Supporting documents may include:

• A medical certificate that states you are unable to attend the hearing and the medical reasons why.

• A copy of travel booking or itinerary and information about when the booking was made.

Step 4: Do not assume the date has changed

Do not assume the date will be changed. Your hearing will go ahead as originally planned, unless we contact you to confirm a new date and time.

Where to send your adjournment request

Consumer and Commercial Division

Submit your adjournment request via NCAT Online Services.

1. Complete the Adjournment request form (PDF, 155.0 KB)
2. Log into NCAT Online Services to access your case
3. Upload the completed PDF form and any attachments as a 'secondary form'

All Other Divisions and Appeals

Send your adjournment request to the NCAT Registry office managing your case by email, post or in person.

• Find the contact details for your Registry office in the footer of any correspondence sent to you from NCAT.  
• If you are unsure which Registry office is managing your case, call NCAT on 1300 006 228.