Australia doesn't have one "small claims court". Each state and territory has its own forum, its own limit and its own fees — and most of them changed on 1 July 2026. Here's the cheat sheet (always check the official site before you file).
The quick table
| Where | Forum | Limit | Filing fee (individual) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW (debts) | Local Court — Small Claims Division | up to $20,000 | $179 |
| NSW (consumer v trader) | NCAT Consumer & Commercial | up to $100,000 | $64 (≤ $10k) |
| VIC | VCAT Civil Claims / Magistrates' Court | VCAT: no published cap | VCAT $202.10 (≤ $15k) |
| QLD | QCAT minor civil disputes | up to $25,000 | $96.30–$405.60 |
| SA | Magistrates Court — minor civil | $12,000 or less | $186 |
| WA | Magistrates Court — minor case | up to $10,000 | $199.50 |
| TAS | Magistrates Court — minor civil claim | $15,000 or less | $147–$284.20 |
| ACT | ACAT civil disputes | up to $25,000 | $93–$707 |
| NT | NTCAT small claims | up to $25,000 | $129–$518 |
What if I'm over the limit?
Most forums let you "abandon the excess" — claim the maximum and give up the rest — which is often cheaper than a full-blown court case with lawyers. ACAT will also hear a higher claim if all parties agree in writing.
Time limits matter too
In most of Australia you have six years to sue on a contract or debt. In the Northern Territory it's generally three. Some claims (like unfair dismissal at 21 days, or some tenancy disputes) are much shorter.
Sources
Every figure above comes from the official court or tribunal fee schedules we checked in October 2026. Each state guide on SueAnyone lists the source and the date we checked it.
General information only, not legal advice. Written by the SueAnyone editorial team.