Civil Claims Resolution Committee

The Process

How It Works

The civil claims resolution process is designed to be straightforward and accessible. Here is what to expect from the moment you lodge your claim through to the final determination.

Typical timeline:01 Lodge Your Claim(Day 1)02 Eligibility Assessment(Days 3–10)03 Notification & Response(Days 11–25)04 The Hearing(Days 26–40)05 Determination & Resolution(Within 30 business days)

01

Day 1

Lodge Your Claim

Submit your completed claim form and supporting documents online, by post, or in person.

  • Download and complete the Claim Form (Form CC-1) from our Resources page.

  • Attach all supporting documents — contracts, correspondence, receipts, and any prior communications.

  • Submit your claim online via the portal, by post to our GPO Box, or in person at our office.

  • You will receive an acknowledgement within 2 business days confirming your claim reference number.

Tip: The more clearly you document your claim at this stage, the smoother the process will be. Plain language is fine — you do not need legal terminology.

02

Days 3–10

Eligibility Assessment

A case officer reviews your claim to confirm it falls within the Committee's jurisdiction.

  • A case officer is assigned to your matter within 3 business days of lodgement.

  • The officer reviews your claim against the eligibility criteria set out in the Civil Claims Act.

  • If additional information is required, you will be contacted in writing with a clear list of what is needed.

  • You will receive a written eligibility decision within 10 business days of lodgement.

Tip: If your claim is found ineligible, the decision letter will explain why and may suggest alternative avenues available to you.

03

Days 11–25

Notification & Response

The other party is formally notified and given an opportunity to respond to your claim.

  • Once your claim is accepted, the respondent (the other party) is formally notified in writing.

  • The respondent has 10 business days to lodge a written response.

  • Both parties receive copies of all documents submitted by the other side.

  • A pre-hearing conference may be scheduled to clarify issues and explore early resolution.

Tip: Many matters are resolved at the pre-hearing conference stage without proceeding to a formal hearing.

04

Days 26–40

The Hearing

Both parties present their case before an independent committee member in a structured but informal setting.

  • Hearings are conducted by an independent committee member with relevant expertise.

  • You may present your case in person, by telephone, or via video conference.

  • Legal representation is permitted but not required — many claimants represent themselves.

  • The hearing is conducted in plain language. The committee member may ask questions of both parties.

  • Hearings typically last between 1 and 3 hours depending on the complexity of the matter.

Tip: Prepare a brief written summary of your key points to refer to during the hearing. Bring three copies — one for yourself, one for the respondent, and one for the committee member.

05

Within 30 business days

Determination & Resolution

A written determination is issued. Outcomes are binding, enforceable, and fully explained.

  • The committee member issues a written determination within 30 business days of the hearing.

  • The determination sets out the findings of fact, the reasoning, and the outcome.

  • Determinations are binding on both parties and enforceable as a court order.

  • If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, limited appeal rights exist — these are explained in the determination.

Tip: Keep a copy of your determination in a safe place. You may need it if you need to enforce the outcome.

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Our full FAQ page covers many more topics in detail.

View all FAQs

Ready to lodge your claim?

The process starts with a single form. Our team will guide you from there.

Download FormsLodge a Claim