This regulation sets out what court fees and witness/interpreter allowances are payable in the Supreme, District, Magistrates and Planning & Environment Courts, replaces the 2009 fees regulation, and adds formulas for indexation and rounding of certain service and enforcement fees (s30; s14C–14E; s2A). Fees are generally payable by the initiating party (s4); registrars can grant reduced fees, require deposits, and process refunds under defined rules (s8–12; s13; s17–18); state-related parties need not prepay (s16).
The Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019 sets out the fee and allowance architecture for civil proceedings in Queensland courts and the Planning and Environment Court, prescribes how particular fees are calculated and rounded, and creates administrative processes for reduced fees, deposits, refunds and witness/interpreter allowances. Mechanically, it:
Prescribes which parts and schedules apply to which courts (Supreme Court and District Court: Pt 2 (except Divs 2 and 3) and Schedules 1 and 2A, s 3; Magistrates Courts: Pt 2 (except Divs 1 and 3) and Schedules 2 and 2A, s 14; Planning and Environment Court: Pt 2 (except Divs 1, 2 and 2A) and Schedule 3, s 15).
Imposes setting down and hearing fees for multi-day hearings or trials and fixes who must pay and when (s 4), with non-payment consequences (s 5) and partial refunds if timely notice is given (s 6).
Creates a statutory process by which parties can apply to a registrar for reduced fees on identified grounds (legal aid/concession cards, verified financial hardship, or lack of corporate funds), and establishes the registrar’s powers and review rights to the court (ss 7-12, 8-11).
Governs deposits and the circumstances in which registrars, sheriffs or marshals may require deposits on account of a proceeding (s 18).
Sets out witness and interpreter allowances (travel, accommodation, attendance) including amounts, modes of calculation, and exceptional discretion for additional payments (Part 3, ss 19-29).
Introduces indexation formulas and publication duties for specified enforcement and service fees in schedule 2A (ss 14A-14F), including a CPI multiplier mechanism (s 14C) and an adjustment formula that uses both CPI and the Superannuation Guarantee charge percentage for some items (s 14D).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019.
61
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This regulation may be cited as the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019 .
sec.2
Definitions
sec.2 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 4 defines particular words used in this regulation.
sec.2A
Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
sec.2A Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded—
if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000—to the nearest dollar (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $5,000 but not more than $100,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 dollars (rounding one-half upwards).
If a fee were 35 fee units and the value of a fee unit were $1.015, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying 35 by $1.015 would be $35.525. Because $35.525 is halfway between $35.50 and $35.55, it is rounded upwards, so the amount of the fee would be $35.55.
s 2A ins 2022 SL No. 79 s 170
(sec.2A-ssec.1) This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
(sec.2A-ssec.2) For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded— if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000—to the nearest dollar (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $5,000 but not more than $100,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 dollars (rounding one-half upwards). If a fee were 35 fee units and the value of a fee unit were $1.015, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying 35 by $1.015 would be $35.525. Because $35.525 is halfway between $35.50 and $35.55, it is rounded upwards, so the amount of the fee would be $35.55. s 2A ins 2022 SL No. 79 s 170
(a) if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
(b) if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
(c) if the result is more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000—to the nearest dollar (rounding one-half upwards); or
(d) if the result is more than $5,000 but not more than $100,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 dollars (rounding one-half upwards).
pt.2
Court fees
Court fees
pt.2-div.1
Supreme Court and District Court
Supreme Court and District Court
sec.3
Fees for Supreme Court and District Court generally
sec.3 Fees for Supreme Court and District Court generally
This part (other than divisions 2 and 3 ) and schedules 1 and 2A apply for the Supreme Court and the District Court and set out fees payable in relation to proceedings in the Supreme Court and the District Court.
See division 2A , subdivision 2 for working out the amount of particular fees in relation to service and enforcement.
Neither schedule 1 nor 2A applies in relation to, or affects, fees or percentages directed to be taken or paid by an Act for which no fee or percentage is stated in the schedule.
A registrar, enforcement officer, marshal or marshal’s officer need not pay a fee mentioned in schedule 1 or 2A .
To remove any doubt, it is declared that for applying this part (other than divisions 2 , 2A and 3 ) and schedule 1 , a liquidator, receiver, administrator or other person acting for, or on behalf of, a corporation in a proceeding must pay the fee payable by a corporation.
For the District Court of Queensland Act 1967 , section 45 (1) , the fees under schedule 2A , other than item 5, are prescribed as bailiffs’ fees.
However, for a bailiff employed as a public service officer on a full-time or part-time basis, a fee mentioned in subsection (5) is prescribed as a bailiff’s fee only to the extent the function to which the fee relates is performed by the bailiff outside the bailiff’s normal working hours.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection (6) does not affect the amount payable by the person for whom the function is performed.
s 3 sub 2025 SL No. 57 s 4
(sec.3-ssec.1) This part (other than divisions 2 and 3 ) and schedules 1 and 2A apply for the Supreme Court and the District Court and set out fees payable in relation to proceedings in the Supreme Court and the District Court. See division 2A , subdivision 2 for working out the amount of particular fees in relation to service and enforcement.
(sec.3-ssec.2) Neither schedule 1 nor 2A applies in relation to, or affects, fees or percentages directed to be taken or paid by an Act for which no fee or percentage is stated in the schedule.
(sec.3-ssec.3) A registrar, enforcement officer, marshal or marshal’s officer need not pay a fee mentioned in schedule 1 or 2A .
(sec.3-ssec.4) To remove any doubt, it is declared that for applying this part (other than divisions 2 , 2A and 3 ) and schedule 1 , a liquidator, receiver, administrator or other person acting for, or on behalf of, a corporation in a proceeding must pay the fee payable by a corporation.
(sec.3-ssec.5) For the District Court of Queensland Act 1967 , section 45 (1) , the fees under schedule 2A , other than item 5, are prescribed as bailiffs’ fees.
(sec.3-ssec.6) However, for a bailiff employed as a public service officer on a full-time or part-time basis, a fee mentioned in subsection (5) is prescribed as a bailiff’s fee only to the extent the function to which the fee relates is performed by the bailiff outside the bailiff’s normal working hours.
(sec.3-ssec.7) To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection (6) does not affect the amount payable by the person for whom the function is performed.
sec.4
Setting down fee and hearing fee
sec.4 Setting down fee and hearing fee
A setting down fee and hearing fee are payable for a hearing or trial of a proceeding under this section, unless—
the hearing or trial is set down for 1 day or less; or
the hearing relates to an interlocutory application.
Unless a court on application by a party to the proceeding orders otherwise, the fees are payable by—
for a claim for which a request for trial date is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 467 —the plaintiff; or
for an application that is an originating process—the applicant; or
for an appeal to the Court of Appeal—the appellant; or
for an appeal to the District Court for which a certificate of readiness is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 —the appellant.
However, another person may pay the fees without affecting the power of the court to make an order for costs in relation to the fees.
The fees must be paid—
for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (a) or (d) —when the request for trial date or certificate of readiness is filed; or
for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (b) or (c) —by the earlier of the following—
the day that is 10 business days after a registrar sets a date for the hearing or trial of the proceeding or adds the appeal to a list of appeals under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 (4) ;
9.30a.m. on the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding.
If additional hearing or trial dates are set for the proceeding, a hearing fee for the additional hearing or trial dates is payable by the earlier of the following—
the day that is 10 business days after the additional hearing or trial dates are set;
9.30a.m. on the first day set for the additional hearing or trial dates.
(sec.4-ssec.1) A setting down fee and hearing fee are payable for a hearing or trial of a proceeding under this section, unless— the hearing or trial is set down for 1 day or less; or the hearing relates to an interlocutory application.
(sec.4-ssec.2) Unless a court on application by a party to the proceeding orders otherwise, the fees are payable by— for a claim for which a request for trial date is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 467 —the plaintiff; or for an application that is an originating process—the applicant; or for an appeal to the Court of Appeal—the appellant; or for an appeal to the District Court for which a certificate of readiness is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 —the appellant.
(sec.4-ssec.3) However, another person may pay the fees without affecting the power of the court to make an order for costs in relation to the fees.
(sec.4-ssec.4) The fees must be paid— for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (a) or (d) —when the request for trial date or certificate of readiness is filed; or for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (b) or (c) —by the earlier of the following— the day that is 10 business days after a registrar sets a date for the hearing or trial of the proceeding or adds the appeal to a list of appeals under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 (4) ; 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding.
(sec.4-ssec.5) If additional hearing or trial dates are set for the proceeding, a hearing fee for the additional hearing or trial dates is payable by the earlier of the following— the day that is 10 business days after the additional hearing or trial dates are set; 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the additional hearing or trial dates.
(a) the hearing or trial is set down for 1 day or less; or
(b) the hearing relates to an interlocutory application.
(a) for a claim for which a request for trial date is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 467 —the plaintiff; or
(b) for an application that is an originating process—the applicant; or
(c) for an appeal to the Court of Appeal—the appellant; or
(d) for an appeal to the District Court for which a certificate of readiness is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 —the appellant.
(a) for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (a) or (d) —when the request for trial date or certificate of readiness is filed; or
(b) for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (b) or (c) —by the earlier of the following— (i) the day that is 10 business days after a registrar sets a date for the hearing or trial of the proceeding or adds the appeal to a list of appeals under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 (4) ; (ii) 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding.
(i) the day that is 10 business days after a registrar sets a date for the hearing or trial of the proceeding or adds the appeal to a list of appeals under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 (4) ;
(ii) 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding.
(i) the day that is 10 business days after a registrar sets a date for the hearing or trial of the proceeding or adds the appeal to a list of appeals under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 (4) ;
(ii) 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding.
(a) the day that is 10 business days after the additional hearing or trial dates are set;
(b) 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the additional hearing or trial dates.
sec.5
Non-payment of setting down fee and hearing fee
sec.5 Non-payment of setting down fee and hearing fee
If a party to a proceeding fails to pay the setting down fee or a hearing fee for the proceeding under section 4 —
a registrar may list the matter of non-payment for hearing before the court and on hearing the matter the court may make an order or give the directions it considers appropriate about the matter; or
the court may order that a hearing or trial relating to the proceeding is not to take place except with the court’s leave; or
the court may vacate any hearing or trial date previously set for the proceeding.
Subsection (1) does not limit the power of the court to make another order in relation to the proceeding.
(sec.5-ssec.1) If a party to a proceeding fails to pay the setting down fee or a hearing fee for the proceeding under section 4 — a registrar may list the matter of non-payment for hearing before the court and on hearing the matter the court may make an order or give the directions it considers appropriate about the matter; or the court may order that a hearing or trial relating to the proceeding is not to take place except with the court’s leave; or the court may vacate any hearing or trial date previously set for the proceeding.
(sec.5-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not limit the power of the court to make another order in relation to the proceeding.
(a) a registrar may list the matter of non-payment for hearing before the court and on hearing the matter the court may make an order or give the directions it considers appropriate about the matter; or
(b) the court may order that a hearing or trial relating to the proceeding is not to take place except with the court’s leave; or
(c) the court may vacate any hearing or trial date previously set for the proceeding.
sec.6
Refund of setting down fee and hearing fee
sec.6 Refund of setting down fee and hearing fee
A registrar must refund 75% of the setting down fee and hearing fee paid by a party to a proceeding if—
the party gives the registrar a request for refund of the fees in the approved form, at least 10 business days before the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding, stating the hearing or trial will not happen; and
the hearing or trial of the proceeding does not happen.
(a) the party gives the registrar a request for refund of the fees in the approved form, at least 10 business days before the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding, stating the hearing or trial will not happen; and
(b) the hearing or trial of the proceeding does not happen.
sec.7
General provisions
sec.7 General provisions
A party to a proceeding may apply under section 8 , 9 or 10 for an order that the party pay the reduced fee instead of 1 of the following fees for the proceeding (each a relevant fee )—
a fee mentioned in schedule 1 , item 1 on filing a document starting the proceeding;
for a party other than a corporation—a fee mentioned in schedule 1 , item 2 on filing a document starting the proceeding;
a setting down fee;
a hearing fee.
However, a person may not make an application under section 8 , 9 or 10 —
for a proceeding to which the Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005 , section 10 (2) applies; or
for an application for leave under the Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005 , section 11 , unless and until the leave is granted.
If an order made under section 8 , 9 or 10 states the day by which the reduced fee must be paid, the reduced fee is payable on or before that day.
If an order is made under section 8 , 9 or 10 for a party to a proceeding to pay the reduced fee instead of a fee mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) for the proceeding, a setting down fee and hearing fee are not payable for the proceeding.
Also, if an order is made under section 8 , 9 or 10 for a party to a proceeding to pay the reduced fee instead of the setting down fee for the proceeding, a hearing fee is not payable for the proceeding.
(sec.7-ssec.1) A party to a proceeding may apply under section 8 , 9 or 10 for an order that the party pay the reduced fee instead of 1 of the following fees for the proceeding (each a relevant fee )— a fee mentioned in schedule 1 , item 1 on filing a document starting the proceeding; for a party other than a corporation—a fee mentioned in schedule 1 , item 2 on filing a document starting the proceeding; a setting down fee; a hearing fee.
(sec.7-ssec.2) However, a person may not make an application under section 8 , 9 or 10 — for a proceeding to which the Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005 , section 10 (2) applies; or for an application for leave under the Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005 , section 11 , unless and until the leave is granted.
(sec.7-ssec.3) If an order made under section 8 , 9 or 10 states the day by which the reduced fee must be paid, the reduced fee is payable on or before that day.
(sec.7-ssec.4) If an order is made under section 8 , 9 or 10 for a party to a proceeding to pay the reduced fee instead of a fee mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) for the proceeding, a setting down fee and hearing fee are not payable for the proceeding.
(sec.7-ssec.5) Also, if an order is made under section 8 , 9 or 10 for a party to a proceeding to pay the reduced fee instead of the setting down fee for the proceeding, a hearing fee is not payable for the proceeding.
(a) a fee mentioned in schedule 1 , item 1 on filing a document starting the proceeding;
(b) for a party other than a corporation—a fee mentioned in schedule 1 , item 2 on filing a document starting the proceeding;
(c) a setting down fee;
(d) a hearing fee.
(a) for a proceeding to which the Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005 , section 10 (2) applies; or
(b) for an application for leave under the Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005 , section 11 , unless and until the leave is granted.
sec.8
Particular applications registrar must approve
sec.8 Particular applications registrar must approve
This section applies to a party to a proceeding who is an individual if the party—
has been given legal assistance under the Legal Aid Queensland Act 1997 for the proceeding; or
has been given aid or other legal assistance under the Public Trustee Act 1978 for the proceeding; or
is the holder of—
a current health care card, pensioner concession card or seniors health card under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cwlth) ; or
another card issued by the Commonwealth that certifies the holder’s current entitlement to a Commonwealth health concession; or
is receiving a youth allowance, an austudy payment or a benefit under the ABSTUDY scheme under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cwlth) .
The party may apply to a registrar for an order that the party pay the reduced fee instead of a relevant fee for the proceeding.
See, however, section 7 (2) .
The application must—
be in the approved form; and
be accompanied by proof of a matter mentioned in subsection (1) .
On receipt of an application made under this section, the registrar must, by order, approve that the party pay the reduced fee instead of the relevant fee for the proceeding.
The order must state the day by which the reduced fee must be paid.
Subsection (5) does not apply if the relevant fee has been paid before the order is made.
For refunds of excess amounts paid, see section 12 .
In this section—
holder , of a card, does not include a dependant of the person who is issued the card.
s 8 amd 2024 SL No. 204 s 3
(sec.8-ssec.1) This section applies to a party to a proceeding who is an individual if the party— has been given legal assistance under the Legal Aid Queensland Act 1997 for the proceeding; or has been given aid or other legal assistance under the Public Trustee Act 1978 for the proceeding; or is the holder of— a current health care card, pensioner concession card or seniors health card under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cwlth) ; or another card issued by the Commonwealth that certifies the holder’s current entitlement to a Commonwealth health concession; or is receiving a youth allowance, an austudy payment or a benefit under the ABSTUDY scheme under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cwlth) .
(sec.8-ssec.2) The party may apply to a registrar for an order that the party pay the reduced fee instead of a relevant fee for the proceeding. See, however, section 7 (2) .
(sec.8-ssec.3) The application must— be in the approved form; and be accompanied by proof of a matter mentioned in subsection (1) .
(sec.8-ssec.4) On receipt of an application made under this section, the registrar must, by order, approve that the party pay the reduced fee instead of the relevant fee for the proceeding.
(sec.8-ssec.5) The order must state the day by which the reduced fee must be paid.
(sec.8-ssec.6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the relevant fee has been paid before the order is made. For refunds of excess amounts paid, see section 12 .
(sec.8-ssec.7) In this section— holder , of a card, does not include a dependant of the person who is issued the card.
(a) has been given legal assistance under the Legal Aid Queensland Act 1997 for the proceeding; or
(b) has been given aid or other legal assistance under the Public Trustee Act 1978 for the proceeding; or
(c) is the holder of— (i) a current health care card, pensioner concession card or seniors health card under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cwlth) ; or (ii) another card issued by the Commonwealth that certifies the holder’s current entitlement to a Commonwealth health concession; or
(i) a current health care card, pensioner concession card or seniors health card under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cwlth) ; or
(ii) another card issued by the Commonwealth that certifies the holder’s current entitlement to a Commonwealth health concession; or
(d) is receiving a youth allowance, an austudy payment or a benefit under the ABSTUDY scheme under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cwlth) .
(i) a current health care card, pensioner concession card or seniors health card under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cwlth) ; or
(ii) another card issued by the Commonwealth that certifies the holder’s current entitlement to a Commonwealth health concession; or
(a) be in the approved form; and
(b) be accompanied by proof of a matter mentioned in subsection (1) .
sec.9
Financial hardship
sec.9 Financial hardship
This section applies to a party to a proceeding who is an individual if the party has not made an application under section 8 .
The party may apply in the approved form to a registrar for an order that the party pay the reduced fee instead of a relevant fee for the proceeding on the ground of financial hardship.
See, however, section 7 (2) .
Any information or documents included in the approved form, or attached to or given with the approved form, in support of the party’s application must be verified by statutory declaration.
In considering the application, the registrar must have regard to the party’s income, day-to-day living expenses, bank balances and cash on hand.
If the registrar reasonably believes there is a ground of financial hardship, the registrar may, by order, approve that the party pay the reduced fee instead of the relevant fee for the proceeding.
The registrar may decide the application summarily and without extensive investigation.
The order must state the day by which the reduced fee must be paid.
Subsection (7) does not apply if the relevant fee has been paid before the order is made.
For refunds of excess amounts paid, see section 12 .
s 9 amd 2021 SL No. 11 s 6
(sec.9-ssec.1) This section applies to a party to a proceeding who is an individual if the party has not made an application under section 8 .
(sec.9-ssec.2) The party may apply in the approved form to a registrar for an order that the party pay the reduced fee instead of a relevant fee for the proceeding on the ground of financial hardship. See, however, section 7 (2) .
(sec.9-ssec.3) Any information or documents included in the approved form, or attached to or given with the approved form, in support of the party’s application must be verified by statutory declaration.
(sec.9-ssec.4) In considering the application, the registrar must have regard to the party’s income, day-to-day living expenses, bank balances and cash on hand.
(sec.9-ssec.5) If the registrar reasonably believes there is a ground of financial hardship, the registrar may, by order, approve that the party pay the reduced fee instead of the relevant fee for the proceeding.
(sec.9-ssec.6) The registrar may decide the application summarily and without extensive investigation.
(sec.9-ssec.7) The order must state the day by which the reduced fee must be paid.
(sec.9-ssec.8) Subsection (7) does not apply if the relevant fee has been paid before the order is made. For refunds of excess amounts paid, see section 12 .
sec.10
Corporations
sec.10 Corporations
This section applies to a party to a proceeding, other than a proceeding under the Corporations Act or the Admiralty Act 1988 (Cwlth) , if the party is a corporation.
The party may apply in the approved form to a registrar for an order that the party pay the reduced fee instead of a relevant fee for the proceeding.
See, however, section 7 (2) .
The registrar may, by order, approve that the party pay the reduced fee instead of the relevant fee for the proceeding only if the registrar reasonably believes the party does not have, and can not reasonably obtain from another source, sufficient funds to pay the relevant fee.
The order must state the day by which the reduced fee must be paid.
Subsection (4) does not apply if the relevant fee has been paid before the order is made.
For refunds of excess amounts paid, see section 12 .
(sec.10-ssec.1) This section applies to a party to a proceeding, other than a proceeding under the Corporations Act or the Admiralty Act 1988 (Cwlth) , if the party is a corporation.
(sec.10-ssec.2) The party may apply in the approved form to a registrar for an order that the party pay the reduced fee instead of a relevant fee for the proceeding. See, however, section 7 (2) .
(sec.10-ssec.3) The registrar may, by order, approve that the party pay the reduced fee instead of the relevant fee for the proceeding only if the registrar reasonably believes the party does not have, and can not reasonably obtain from another source, sufficient funds to pay the relevant fee.
(sec.10-ssec.4) The order must state the day by which the reduced fee must be paid.
(sec.10-ssec.5) Subsection (4) does not apply if the relevant fee has been paid before the order is made. For refunds of excess amounts paid, see section 12 .
sec.11
Review of registrar’s decision
sec.11 Review of registrar’s decision
A party who has made an application to a registrar under section 8 , 9 or 10 in relation to a proceeding and is dissatisfied with the registrar’s decision on the application may apply to the court for a review of the registrar’s decision.
On the review, the court may—
consider the application with or without a hearing; and
consider anything the registrar was required to consider when making the decision; and
make any order the court considers appropriate.
(sec.11-ssec.1) A party who has made an application to a registrar under section 8 , 9 or 10 in relation to a proceeding and is dissatisfied with the registrar’s decision on the application may apply to the court for a review of the registrar’s decision.
(sec.11-ssec.2) On the review, the court may— consider the application with or without a hearing; and consider anything the registrar was required to consider when making the decision; and make any order the court considers appropriate.
(a) consider the application with or without a hearing; and
(b) consider anything the registrar was required to consider when making the decision; and
(c) make any order the court considers appropriate.
sec.12
Refund of excess amounts paid
sec.12 Refund of excess amounts paid
This section applies if—
under section 8 , 9 or 10 a registrar orders that a party to a proceeding pay the reduced fee instead of a relevant fee for the proceeding; and
the party has paid the relevant fee, or another relevant fee mentioned in section 7 (1) that is no longer payable for the proceeding.
The registrar must refund to the party any amount paid by the party for a fee mentioned in subsection (1) (b) that is more than the amount payable by the party for the fee under the order.
(sec.12-ssec.1) This section applies if— under section 8 , 9 or 10 a registrar orders that a party to a proceeding pay the reduced fee instead of a relevant fee for the proceeding; and the party has paid the relevant fee, or another relevant fee mentioned in section 7 (1) that is no longer payable for the proceeding.
(sec.12-ssec.2) The registrar must refund to the party any amount paid by the party for a fee mentioned in subsection (1) (b) that is more than the amount payable by the party for the fee under the order.
(a) under section 8 , 9 or 10 a registrar orders that a party to a proceeding pay the reduced fee instead of a relevant fee for the proceeding; and
(b) the party has paid the relevant fee, or another relevant fee mentioned in section 7 (1) that is no longer payable for the proceeding.
sec.13
Fees if account taken by registrar
sec.13 Fees if account taken by registrar
This section applies if an account of an accounting party in the Supreme Court or the District Court is taken before a registrar.
The fees for taking the account—
must be paid by the party having the conduct of the order under which the account is taken and are part of that party’s costs of the proceeding, unless the court or a judge otherwise orders; and
must be paid when the certificate stating the result of the taking of the account is filed.
The registrar must include the fees in the account when the fees are paid, unless the court or a judge otherwise directs.
The registrar may require a deposit of not more than the fees payable on the amount that, from the account, appears to have been received.
If the registrar requires a deposit under subsection (4) , the registrar must make a note of the deposit in the account when the deposit is paid.
In this section—
accounting party see the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 530 (2) .
(sec.13-ssec.1) This section applies if an account of an accounting party in the Supreme Court or the District Court is taken before a registrar.
(sec.13-ssec.2) The fees for taking the account— must be paid by the party having the conduct of the order under which the account is taken and are part of that party’s costs of the proceeding, unless the court or a judge otherwise orders; and must be paid when the certificate stating the result of the taking of the account is filed.
(sec.13-ssec.3) The registrar must include the fees in the account when the fees are paid, unless the court or a judge otherwise directs.
(sec.13-ssec.4) The registrar may require a deposit of not more than the fees payable on the amount that, from the account, appears to have been received.
(sec.13-ssec.5) If the registrar requires a deposit under subsection (4) , the registrar must make a note of the deposit in the account when the deposit is paid.
(sec.13-ssec.6) In this section— accounting party see the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 530 (2) .
(a) must be paid by the party having the conduct of the order under which the account is taken and are part of that party’s costs of the proceeding, unless the court or a judge otherwise orders; and
(b) must be paid when the certificate stating the result of the taking of the account is filed.
pt.2-div.2
Magistrates Courts
Magistrates Courts
sec.14
Fees for Magistrates Courts generally
sec.14 Fees for Magistrates Courts generally
This part (other than divisions 1 and 3 ) and schedules 2 and 2A apply for Magistrates Courts and set out fees payable in relation to proceedings in a Magistrates Court.
See also division 2A , subdivision 2 for working out the amount of particular fees in relation to service and enforcement.
A registrar or enforcement officer need not pay a fee mentioned in schedule 2 or 2A .
For the Magistrates Courts Act 1921 , section 3C (2) , the fees under schedule 2A , other than item 5, are prescribed.
s 14 sub 2025 SL No. 57 s 5
(sec.14-ssec.1) This part (other than divisions 1 and 3 ) and schedules 2 and 2A apply for Magistrates Courts and set out fees payable in relation to proceedings in a Magistrates Court. See also division 2A , subdivision 2 for working out the amount of particular fees in relation to service and enforcement.
(sec.14-ssec.2) A registrar or enforcement officer need not pay a fee mentioned in schedule 2 or 2A .
(sec.14-ssec.3) For the Magistrates Courts Act 1921 , section 3C (2) , the fees under schedule 2A , other than item 5, are prescribed.
pt.2-div.2A
Supreme Court, District Court and Magistrates Courts—service and enforcement fees
Supreme Court, District Court and Magistrates Courts—service and enforcement fees
sec.14A
Fee amounts for 2025–2026 financial year
sec.14A Fee amounts for 2025–2026 financial year
This section applies to a fee under schedule 2A , item 1(1)(a) or (b), 2, 3(1), 4(1), 5(1) or 7.
For the financial year starting on 1 July 2025, the amount of the fee is the amount stated for the fee in schedule 2A , column 2.
s 14A ins 2025 SL No. 57 s 6
(sec.14A-ssec.1) This section applies to a fee under schedule 2A , item 1(1)(a) or (b), 2, 3(1), 4(1), 5(1) or 7.
(sec.14A-ssec.2) For the financial year starting on 1 July 2025, the amount of the fee is the amount stated for the fee in schedule 2A , column 2.
sec.14B
Definitions for subdivision
sec.14B Definitions for subdivision
In this subdivision—
base amount , for a fee, means the amount stated for the fee in schedule 2A , column 3.
CPI multiplier , for a financial year, see section 14C .
s 14B ins 2025 SL No. 57 s 6
sec.14C
Meaning of CPI multiplier
sec.14C Meaning of CPI multiplier
The CPI multiplier , for a financial year, is the amount worked out using the formula—
where—
A means the CPI multiplier for the financial year.
B means the average of the CPIs for the 4 consecutive quarters up to and including the March quarter for the previous financial year.
For working out the CPI multiplier for the financial year starting on 1 July 2026, B is the average of the CPIs for the following 4 quarters: June 2025, September 2025, December 2025 and March 2026.
In this section—
CPI means the all groups consumer price index for Brisbane published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
s 14C ins 2025 SL No. 57 s 6
(sec.14C-ssec.1) The CPI multiplier , for a financial year, is the amount worked out using the formula— where— A means the CPI multiplier for the financial year. B means the average of the CPIs for the 4 consecutive quarters up to and including the March quarter for the previous financial year. For working out the CPI multiplier for the financial year starting on 1 July 2026, B is the average of the CPIs for the following 4 quarters: June 2025, September 2025, December 2025 and March 2026.
(sec.14C-ssec.2) In this section— CPI means the all groups consumer price index for Brisbane published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
sec.14D
Fee amounts— sch 2A , items 1, 2 and 7
sec.14D Fee amounts— sch 2A , items 1, 2 and 7
This section applies in relation to a fee under schedule 2A , item 1(1)(a) or (b), 2 or 7.
For the financial year starting on 1 July 2026 or a later financial year, the amount of the fee is the amount worked out by—
working out the adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year under subsection (3) ; and
rounding the adjusted amount under subsection (4) .
The adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year is the amount worked out using the following formula—
where—
A means the adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year.
B means the base amount for the fee.
C means the CPI multiplier for the financial year.
D means the charge percentage, within the meaning of the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cwlth) , section 19 (2) , for the financial year.
For subsection (2) (b) , the adjusted amount is to be rounded—
if the adjusted amount is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the adjusted result is more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards).
s 14D ins 2025 SL No. 57 s 6
(sec.14D-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to a fee under schedule 2A , item 1(1)(a) or (b), 2 or 7.
(sec.14D-ssec.2) For the financial year starting on 1 July 2026 or a later financial year, the amount of the fee is the amount worked out by— working out the adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year under subsection (3) ; and rounding the adjusted amount under subsection (4) .
(sec.14D-ssec.3) The adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year is the amount worked out using the following formula— where— A means the adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year. B means the base amount for the fee. C means the CPI multiplier for the financial year. D means the charge percentage, within the meaning of the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cwlth) , section 19 (2) , for the financial year.
(sec.14D-ssec.4) For subsection (2) (b) , the adjusted amount is to be rounded— if the adjusted amount is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or if the adjusted result is more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards).
(a) working out the adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year under subsection (3) ; and
(b) rounding the adjusted amount under subsection (4) .
(a) if the adjusted amount is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
(b) if the adjusted result is more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards).
sec.14E
Fee amounts— sch 2A , items 3, 4 and 5
sec.14E Fee amounts— sch 2A , items 3, 4 and 5
This section applies in relation to a fee under schedule 2A , item 3(1), 4(1) or 5(1).
For the financial year starting on 1 July 2026 or a later financial year, the amount of the fee is the amount worked out by—
working out the adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year under subsection (3) ; and
rounding the adjusted amount to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards).
The adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year is the amount worked out using the following formula—
where—
A means adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year.
B means the base amount for the fee.
C means the CPI multiplier for the financial year.
s 14E ins 2025 SL No. 57 s 6
(sec.14E-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to a fee under schedule 2A , item 3(1), 4(1) or 5(1).
(sec.14E-ssec.2) For the financial year starting on 1 July 2026 or a later financial year, the amount of the fee is the amount worked out by— working out the adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year under subsection (3) ; and rounding the adjusted amount to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards).
(sec.14E-ssec.3) The adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year is the amount worked out using the following formula— where— A means adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year. B means the base amount for the fee. C means the CPI multiplier for the financial year.
(a) working out the adjusted amount for the fee for the financial year under subsection (3) ; and
(b) rounding the adjusted amount to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards).
sec.14F
Publication of fee amounts
sec.14F Publication of fee amounts
The chief executive must publish on the department’s website the amount of each fee, as worked out under this subdivision for a financial year, while the amount is in effect.
s 14F ins 2025 SL No. 57 s 6
pt.2-div.3
Planning and Environment Court
Planning and Environment Court
sec.15
Fees for Planning and Environment Court
sec.15 Fees for Planning and Environment Court
This part (other than divisions 1 , 2 and 2A ) and schedule 3 apply for the Planning and Environment Court and set out the fees payable for proceedings in the Planning and Environment Court.
s 15 amd 2025 SL No. 57 s 7
pt.2-div.4
General
General
sec.16
Fees if state-related party
sec.16 Fees if state-related party
In a proceeding to which a state-related person is a party, the state-related person need not prepay any fees of court.
However, if judgment is given against another party in the proceeding and the state-related person has paid fees of court, the state-related person may recover the fees of court with costs from the other party.
In this section—
state-related person means—
the Sovereign; or
the State; or
an entity whose expenditure is payable, in whole or part, out of amounts from the consolidated fund; or
a person acting for the State or for an entity mentioned in paragraph (c) .
(sec.16-ssec.1) In a proceeding to which a state-related person is a party, the state-related person need not prepay any fees of court.
(sec.16-ssec.2) However, if judgment is given against another party in the proceeding and the state-related person has paid fees of court, the state-related person may recover the fees of court with costs from the other party.
(sec.16-ssec.3) In this section— state-related person means— the Sovereign; or the State; or an entity whose expenditure is payable, in whole or part, out of amounts from the consolidated fund; or a person acting for the State or for an entity mentioned in paragraph (c) .
(a) the Sovereign; or
(b) the State; or
(c) an entity whose expenditure is payable, in whole or part, out of amounts from the consolidated fund; or
(d) a person acting for the State or for an entity mentioned in paragraph (c) .
sec.17
Fees if assessment of costs
sec.17 Fees if assessment of costs
The fees payable on the assessment of costs in the Supreme Court, the District Court, a Magistrates Court or the Planning and Environment Court are—
payable on the allowance of any amount on the assessment; and
to be fixed by the assessing registrar; and
to be paid by the solicitor or party filing the costs statement.
The assessing registrar may require a deposit, of not more than the fees payable on the full amount of the costs as submitted for assessment, before the assessment is started.
If the assessing registrar requires a deposit under subsection (2) , the assessing registrar must make a note of the deposit on the costs statement when the deposit is paid.
(sec.17-ssec.1) The fees payable on the assessment of costs in the Supreme Court, the District Court, a Magistrates Court or the Planning and Environment Court are— payable on the allowance of any amount on the assessment; and to be fixed by the assessing registrar; and to be paid by the solicitor or party filing the costs statement.
(sec.17-ssec.2) The assessing registrar may require a deposit, of not more than the fees payable on the full amount of the costs as submitted for assessment, before the assessment is started.
(sec.17-ssec.3) If the assessing registrar requires a deposit under subsection (2) , the assessing registrar must make a note of the deposit on the costs statement when the deposit is paid.
(a) payable on the allowance of any amount on the assessment; and
(b) to be fixed by the assessing registrar; and
(c) to be paid by the solicitor or party filing the costs statement.
sec.18
Deposit for particular fees
sec.18 Deposit for particular fees
A registrar, sheriff or marshal may require a deposit on account of fees that apply to a proceeding in the Supreme Court, the District Court or a Magistrates Court—
before the proceeding is started; or
at any time during the proceeding.
If a registrar, sheriff or marshal requires a deposit under subsection (1) , the registrar, sheriff or marshal must make a note of the deposit on the court file when the deposit is paid.
(sec.18-ssec.1) A registrar, sheriff or marshal may require a deposit on account of fees that apply to a proceeding in the Supreme Court, the District Court or a Magistrates Court— before the proceeding is started; or at any time during the proceeding.
(sec.18-ssec.2) If a registrar, sheriff or marshal requires a deposit under subsection (1) , the registrar, sheriff or marshal must make a note of the deposit on the court file when the deposit is paid.
(a) before the proceeding is started; or
(b) at any time during the proceeding.
pt.3
Allowances for witnesses and interpreters
Allowances for witnesses and interpreters
pt.3-div.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.19
Definitions for part
sec.19 Definitions for part
In this part—
audio link see the Evidence Act 1977 , section 39C .
s 19 def audio link ins 2024 SL No. 4 s 14
audio visual link see the Evidence Act 1977 , schedule 3 .
s 19 def audio visual link ins 2024 SL No. 4 s 14
expert means a person who would, if called as a witness at the trial of a proceeding, be qualified to give opinion evidence as an expert witness in relation to an issue arising in the proceeding.
non-professional witness means a witness who attends court to give evidence of a non-professional nature.
prisoner see the Corrective Services Act 2006 , schedule 4 .
professional witness means a witness who attends court to give evidence of a professional nature.
public transport means any form of passenger transport that is available for use by the public on payment of a fare.
relevant person means—
an expert; or
an interpreter; or
a non-professional witness; or
a professional witness.
(a) an expert; or
(b) an interpreter; or
(c) a non-professional witness; or
(d) a professional witness.
sec.19A
References to attending court
sec.19A References to attending court
A reference in this division or division 2 to attending court includes a reference to attending court by audio link or audio visual link.
s 19A ins 2024 SL No. 4 s 15
pt.3-div.2
Witnesses and interpreters other than particular prisoners
Witnesses and interpreters other than particular prisoners
sec.20
Application of division
sec.20 Application of division
This division does not apply to a prisoner to whom section 29 applies.
Also, if a relevant person, other than an interpreter, attends 2 or more proceedings on the same day, the amount to be paid to the person for each proceeding must be a reasonable share of the total for all the proceedings.
(sec.20-ssec.1) This division does not apply to a prisoner to whom section 29 applies.
(sec.20-ssec.2) Also, if a relevant person, other than an interpreter, attends 2 or more proceedings on the same day, the amount to be paid to the person for each proceeding must be a reasonable share of the total for all the proceedings.
sec.21
Allowances
sec.21 Allowances
A relevant person is entitled to be paid the following allowances under this division for attendance at court—
a travelling allowance;
an accommodation allowance;
an attendance allowance.
The travelling allowance is a payment made towards meeting the costs incurred by the relevant person in travelling to and from the court.
The accommodation allowance is a payment made towards meeting the costs incurred by the relevant person for accommodation and meals when the relevant person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of residence to attend court.
The attendance allowance is a payment made towards meeting any loss of earnings or additional expenses incurred by a relevant person if, to attend court—
for a relevant person other than an interpreter—
the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of employment, practice or residence for a period; or
if subparagraph (i) does not apply—the person is necessarily unavailable to undertake the person’s usual work for a period; or
for a relevant person who is an interpreter—the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of employment, practice or residence for a period.
s 21 amd 2024 SL No. 4 s 16
(sec.21-ssec.1) A relevant person is entitled to be paid the following allowances under this division for attendance at court— a travelling allowance; an accommodation allowance; an attendance allowance.
(sec.21-ssec.2) The travelling allowance is a payment made towards meeting the costs incurred by the relevant person in travelling to and from the court.
(sec.21-ssec.3) The accommodation allowance is a payment made towards meeting the costs incurred by the relevant person for accommodation and meals when the relevant person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of residence to attend court.
(sec.21-ssec.4) The attendance allowance is a payment made towards meeting any loss of earnings or additional expenses incurred by a relevant person if, to attend court— for a relevant person other than an interpreter— the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of employment, practice or residence for a period; or if subparagraph (i) does not apply—the person is necessarily unavailable to undertake the person’s usual work for a period; or for a relevant person who is an interpreter—the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of employment, practice or residence for a period.
(a) a travelling allowance;
(b) an accommodation allowance;
(c) an attendance allowance.
(a) for a relevant person other than an interpreter— (i) the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of employment, practice or residence for a period; or (ii) if subparagraph (i) does not apply—the person is necessarily unavailable to undertake the person’s usual work for a period; or
(i) the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of employment, practice or residence for a period; or
(ii) if subparagraph (i) does not apply—the person is necessarily unavailable to undertake the person’s usual work for a period; or
(b) for a relevant person who is an interpreter—the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of employment, practice or residence for a period.
(i) the person is necessarily absent from the person’s place of employment, practice or residence for a period; or
(ii) if subparagraph (i) does not apply—the person is necessarily unavailable to undertake the person’s usual work for a period; or
sec.21A
References to court for working out travelling allowance or accommodation allowance for particular relevant persons
sec.21A References to court for working out travelling allowance or accommodation allowance for particular relevant persons
This section applies if—
a relevant person is directed, by a notice given under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 415B , that the person’s attendance to give evidence in accordance with a subpoena is to be made by audio link or audio visual link from a place other than the person’s place of employment, practice or residence; or
a relevant person’s attendance to give evidence is otherwise to be made by audio link or audio visual link from a place other than the person’s place of employment, practice or residence.
For working out the relevant person’s entitlement to a travelling allowance or accommodation allowance under this division, this division applies in relation to the person as if a reference to the court were a reference to the place from which the person’s evidence is to be given.
s 21A ins 2024 SL No. 4 s 17
(sec.21A-ssec.1) This section applies if— a relevant person is directed, by a notice given under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 415B , that the person’s attendance to give evidence in accordance with a subpoena is to be made by audio link or audio visual link from a place other than the person’s place of employment, practice or residence; or a relevant person’s attendance to give evidence is otherwise to be made by audio link or audio visual link from a place other than the person’s place of employment, practice or residence.
(sec.21A-ssec.2) For working out the relevant person’s entitlement to a travelling allowance or accommodation allowance under this division, this division applies in relation to the person as if a reference to the court were a reference to the place from which the person’s evidence is to be given.
(a) a relevant person is directed, by a notice given under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 415B , that the person’s attendance to give evidence in accordance with a subpoena is to be made by audio link or audio visual link from a place other than the person’s place of employment, practice or residence; or
(b) a relevant person’s attendance to give evidence is otherwise to be made by audio link or audio visual link from a place other than the person’s place of employment, practice or residence.
sec.22
Travelling allowance
sec.22 Travelling allowance
The amount of the travelling allowance that is to be paid to a relevant person is—
the amount actually and properly paid for fares for public transport; or
if public transport was not available—the amount calculated at the rate per kilometre payable under the Public Sector Act 2022 to a public service employee required to use the employee’s private motor vehicle for official purposes, taken to the nearest whole cent.
The relevant person is not entitled to the payment of a travelling allowance if no expense is incurred by the person in travelling to and from the court.
If the relevant person travels to and from the court in a private vehicle with another relevant person, only 1 payment is to be made under subsection (1) (b) for the vehicle.
If it is reasonable for the relevant person to travel to and from the court by air, the amount of the travelling allowance that is to be paid is—
for a non-professional witness or an interpreter—the amount payable for economy class air travel by the person to and from the court; or
for a professional witness or an expert—the amount payable for first class air travel by the person to and from the court.
For calculating the travelling allowance, in deciding whether public transport was available, regard is to be had to whether a public transport system operated by which a person could conveniently—
travel to the court in reasonable time before the person’s required attendance; and
return to the person’s place of employment, practice or residence after the person’s attendance at court.
s 22 amd 2023 SL No. 60 s 17 sch 1
(sec.22-ssec.1) The amount of the travelling allowance that is to be paid to a relevant person is— the amount actually and properly paid for fares for public transport; or if public transport was not available—the amount calculated at the rate per kilometre payable under the Public Sector Act 2022 to a public service employee required to use the employee’s private motor vehicle for official purposes, taken to the nearest whole cent.
(sec.22-ssec.2) The relevant person is not entitled to the payment of a travelling allowance if no expense is incurred by the person in travelling to and from the court.
(sec.22-ssec.3) If the relevant person travels to and from the court in a private vehicle with another relevant person, only 1 payment is to be made under subsection (1) (b) for the vehicle.
(sec.22-ssec.4) If it is reasonable for the relevant person to travel to and from the court by air, the amount of the travelling allowance that is to be paid is— for a non-professional witness or an interpreter—the amount payable for economy class air travel by the person to and from the court; or for a professional witness or an expert—the amount payable for first class air travel by the person to and from the court.
(sec.22-ssec.5) For calculating the travelling allowance, in deciding whether public transport was available, regard is to be had to whether a public transport system operated by which a person could conveniently— travel to the court in reasonable time before the person’s required attendance; and return to the person’s place of employment, practice or residence after the person’s attendance at court.
(a) the amount actually and properly paid for fares for public transport; or
(b) if public transport was not available—the amount calculated at the rate per kilometre payable under the Public Sector Act 2022 to a public service employee required to use the employee’s private motor vehicle for official purposes, taken to the nearest whole cent.
(a) for a non-professional witness or an interpreter—the amount payable for economy class air travel by the person to and from the court; or
(b) for a professional witness or an expert—the amount payable for first class air travel by the person to and from the court.
(a) travel to the court in reasonable time before the person’s required attendance; and
(b) return to the person’s place of employment, practice or residence after the person’s attendance at court.
sec.23
Accommodation allowance
sec.23 Accommodation allowance
The amount of the accommodation allowance that is to be paid to a relevant person is to be the amount calculated at the rate payable under the Public Sector Act 2022 to a public service officer.
For subsection (1) —
the period of absence from the relevant person’s place of residence is to be calculated from the time of departure from that place to the time of return to that place; and
if, after the number of full days absence has been calculated, the period remaining is more than 12 hours, that period is to be treated as a day’s absence.
For calculating the accommodation allowance, regard is to be had to—
the time of the latest public transport available by which the person could conveniently travel to the court in reasonable time before the person’s required attendance; and
the time by which the person could conveniently return to the person’s place of employment, practice or residence using the earliest public transport available within a reasonable time after the person’s attendance at court.
Subsection (3) does not apply if special reasons exist for some other basis for the calculation.
s 23 amd 2023 SL No. 60 s 17 sch 1
(sec.23-ssec.1) The amount of the accommodation allowance that is to be paid to a relevant person is to be the amount calculated at the rate payable under the Public Sector Act 2022 to a public service officer.
(sec.23-ssec.2) For subsection (1) — the period of absence from the relevant person’s place of residence is to be calculated from the time of departure from that place to the time of return to that place; and if, after the number of full days absence has been calculated, the period remaining is more than 12 hours, that period is to be treated as a day’s absence.
(sec.23-ssec.3) For calculating the accommodation allowance, regard is to be had to— the time of the latest public transport available by which the person could conveniently travel to the court in reasonable time before the person’s required attendance; and the time by which the person could conveniently return to the person’s place of employment, practice or residence using the earliest public transport available within a reasonable time after the person’s attendance at court.
(sec.23-ssec.4) Subsection (3) does not apply if special reasons exist for some other basis for the calculation.
(a) the period of absence from the relevant person’s place of residence is to be calculated from the time of departure from that place to the time of return to that place; and
(b) if, after the number of full days absence has been calculated, the period remaining is more than 12 hours, that period is to be treated as a day’s absence.
(a) the time of the latest public transport available by which the person could conveniently travel to the court in reasonable time before the person’s required attendance; and
(b) the time by which the person could conveniently return to the person’s place of employment, practice or residence using the earliest public transport available within a reasonable time after the person’s attendance at court.
sec.24
Attendance allowance for non-professional witness
sec.24 Attendance allowance for non-professional witness
The amount of the attendance allowance that is to be paid to a non-professional witness for each day or part of a day of the witness’s necessary absence to attend court is—
if the witness is under 16—$47.75; or
if the witness is 16 or older—$95.70.
In subsection (1) , a reference to the non-professional witness’s necessary absence to attend court is a reference to the period for which the attendance causes the non-professional witness to be—
necessarily absent from the witness’s place of employment, practice or residence as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (i) ; or
necessarily unavailable to undertake the witness’s usual work as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (ii) .
s 24 amd 2020 SL No. 143 s 119 ; 2021 SL No. 84 s 118 ; 2022 SL No. 79 s 171 ; 2023 SL No. 60 s 14 ; 2024 SL No. 4 s 18 ; 2024 SL No. 62 s 16 ; 2025 SL No. 44 s 14
(sec.24-ssec.1) The amount of the attendance allowance that is to be paid to a non-professional witness for each day or part of a day of the witness’s necessary absence to attend court is— if the witness is under 16—$47.75; or if the witness is 16 or older—$95.70.
(sec.24-ssec.2) In subsection (1) , a reference to the non-professional witness’s necessary absence to attend court is a reference to the period for which the attendance causes the non-professional witness to be— necessarily absent from the witness’s place of employment, practice or residence as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (i) ; or necessarily unavailable to undertake the witness’s usual work as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (ii) .
(a) if the witness is under 16—$47.75; or
(b) if the witness is 16 or older—$95.70.
(a) necessarily absent from the witness’s place of employment, practice or residence as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (i) ; or
(b) necessarily unavailable to undertake the witness’s usual work as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (ii) .
sec.25
Attendance allowance for professional witness or expert
sec.25 Attendance allowance for professional witness or expert
The amount of the attendance allowance that is to be paid to a professional witness or an expert for each day of the witness’s or expert’s necessary absence to attend court is $293.80.
If the necessary absence of a professional witness or an expert to attend court is 7 hours or less, the amount of the attendance allowance that is to be paid is—
for an absence of 3 hours or less—$110.30; or
for an absence of more than 3 hours but not more than 4 hours—$158.50; or
for an absence of more than 4 hours but not more than 5 hours—$192.60; or
for an absence of more than 5 hours but not more than 6 hours—$226.60; or
for an absence of more than 6 hours—$259.60.
Despite subsections (1) and (2) , if the professional witness or expert is a doctor who is employed under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 as a health service employee at a public sector hospital, the attendance allowance that is to be paid for each day or part of a day of the witness’s or expert’s necessary absence to attend court is $98.45.
Travelling time is to be taken into account for deciding the amount of the allowance under this section, but only if the necessary absence is an absence mentioned in subsection (5) (a) .
In this section, a reference to a professional witness’s or expert’s necessary absence to attend court is a reference to the period for which the attendance causes the professional witness or expert to be—
necessarily absent from their place of employment, practice or residence as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (i) ; or
necessarily unavailable to undertake their usual work as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (ii) .
s 25 amd 2020 SL No. 143 s 120 ; 2021 SL No. 84 s 119 ; 2022 SL No. 79 s 172 ; 2023 SL No. 60 s 15 ; 2024 SL No. 4 s 19 ; 2024 SL No. 62 s 17 ; 2025 SL No. 44 s 15
(sec.25-ssec.1) The amount of the attendance allowance that is to be paid to a professional witness or an expert for each day of the witness’s or expert’s necessary absence to attend court is $293.80.
(sec.25-ssec.2) If the necessary absence of a professional witness or an expert to attend court is 7 hours or less, the amount of the attendance allowance that is to be paid is— for an absence of 3 hours or less—$110.30; or for an absence of more than 3 hours but not more than 4 hours—$158.50; or for an absence of more than 4 hours but not more than 5 hours—$192.60; or for an absence of more than 5 hours but not more than 6 hours—$226.60; or for an absence of more than 6 hours—$259.60.
(sec.25-ssec.3) Despite subsections (1) and (2) , if the professional witness or expert is a doctor who is employed under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 as a health service employee at a public sector hospital, the attendance allowance that is to be paid for each day or part of a day of the witness’s or expert’s necessary absence to attend court is $98.45.
(sec.25-ssec.4) Travelling time is to be taken into account for deciding the amount of the allowance under this section, but only if the necessary absence is an absence mentioned in subsection (5) (a) .
(sec.25-ssec.5) In this section, a reference to a professional witness’s or expert’s necessary absence to attend court is a reference to the period for which the attendance causes the professional witness or expert to be— necessarily absent from their place of employment, practice or residence as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (i) ; or necessarily unavailable to undertake their usual work as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (ii) .
(a) for an absence of 3 hours or less—$110.30; or
(b) for an absence of more than 3 hours but not more than 4 hours—$158.50; or
(c) for an absence of more than 4 hours but not more than 5 hours—$192.60; or
(d) for an absence of more than 5 hours but not more than 6 hours—$226.60; or
(e) for an absence of more than 6 hours—$259.60.
(a) necessarily absent from their place of employment, practice or residence as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (i) ; or
(b) necessarily unavailable to undertake their usual work as mentioned in section 21 (4) (a) (ii) .
sec.26
Attendance allowance for interpreters
sec.26 Attendance allowance for interpreters
The amount of the attendance allowance that is to be paid to an interpreter for each day of necessary absence from the interpreter’s place of employment, practice or residence to attend court is $299.80.
If the period for which an interpreter is necessarily absent from the interpreter’s place of employment, practice or residence is less than 8 hours, the amount of the attendance allowance that is to be paid is—
for the first 2 hours or part of 2 hours—$76.55; and
for each additional hour or part of an hour—$34.80.
Travelling time is to be taken into account for deciding the amount of the allowance under this section.
s 26 amd 2020 SL No. 143 s 121 ; 2021 SL No. 84 s 120 ; 2022 SL No. 79 s 173 ; 2023 SL No. 60 s 16 ; 2024 SL No. 62 s 18 ; 2025 SL No. 44 s 16
(sec.26-ssec.1) The amount of the attendance allowance that is to be paid to an interpreter for each day of necessary absence from the interpreter’s place of employment, practice or residence to attend court is $299.80.
(sec.26-ssec.2) If the period for which an interpreter is necessarily absent from the interpreter’s place of employment, practice or residence is less than 8 hours, the amount of the attendance allowance that is to be paid is— for the first 2 hours or part of 2 hours—$76.55; and for each additional hour or part of an hour—$34.80.
(sec.26-ssec.3) Travelling time is to be taken into account for deciding the amount of the allowance under this section.
(a) for the first 2 hours or part of 2 hours—$76.55; and
(b) for each additional hour or part of an hour—$34.80.
sec.27
When additional amount may be paid
sec.27 When additional amount may be paid
If a registrar considers it is reasonable for an additional amount to be paid to a relevant person under section 24 , 25 or 26 because of special circumstances, the registrar may approve the payment of an additional reasonable amount.
Without limiting subsection (1) , it is a special circumstance that a relevant person who is a doctor is a specialist health practitioner under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law .
(sec.27-ssec.1) If a registrar considers it is reasonable for an additional amount to be paid to a relevant person under section 24 , 25 or 26 because of special circumstances, the registrar may approve the payment of an additional reasonable amount.
(sec.27-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , it is a special circumstance that a relevant person who is a doctor is a specialist health practitioner under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law .
sec.28
Increase if GST payable
sec.28 Increase if GST payable
If an amount payable under section 25 or 26 is for a supply on which GST is payable, the amount payable under the section is to be increased to take account of the GST.
pt.3-div.3
Prisoners
Prisoners
sec.29
Allowance
sec.29 Allowance
This section applies to a prisoner who—
attends court as a relevant person; and
has been granted leave of absence under the Corrective Services Act 2006 to engage in employment; and
incurs loss of salary or wages while attending court.
The prisoner is entitled to be paid an allowance for attendance at court.
The amount of the allowance—
must be decided by the chief executive; and
must not be more than the amount of the allowance that a relevant person would be entitled to be paid under section 21 for the same attendance.
(sec.29-ssec.1) This section applies to a prisoner who— attends court as a relevant person; and has been granted leave of absence under the Corrective Services Act 2006 to engage in employment; and incurs loss of salary or wages while attending court.
(sec.29-ssec.2) The prisoner is entitled to be paid an allowance for attendance at court.
(sec.29-ssec.3) The amount of the allowance— must be decided by the chief executive; and must not be more than the amount of the allowance that a relevant person would be entitled to be paid under section 21 for the same attendance.
(a) attends court as a relevant person; and
(b) has been granted leave of absence under the Corrective Services Act 2006 to engage in employment; and
(c) incurs loss of salary or wages while attending court.
(a) must be decided by the chief executive; and
(b) must not be more than the amount of the allowance that a relevant person would be entitled to be paid under section 21 for the same attendance.
pt.4
Repeal and transitional provisions
Repeal and transitional provisions
pt.4-div.1
Repeal
Repeal
sec.30
Repeal
sec.30 Repeal
The Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2009, SL No. 183 is repealed.
pt.4-div.2
Transitional provisions for SL No. 168 of 2019
Transitional provisions for SL No. 168 of 2019
sec.31
Definitions for division
sec.31 Definitions for division
In this division—
corresponding provision , for a repealed provision, means a provision of this regulation that is substantially the same as or equivalent to the repealed provision.
repealed provision means the repealed regulation, section 10, 10A or 10B.
repealed regulation means the repealed Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2009 .
sec.32
Existing requests for refund of fees
sec.32 Existing requests for refund of fees
This section applies if—
before the commencement, a party had given a registrar a request for refund of fees under the repealed regulation, section 4C; and
immediately before the commencement, the request had not been finally dealt with.
From the commencement, the request is taken to have been made under section 6 of this regulation.
(sec.32-ssec.1) This section applies if— before the commencement, a party had given a registrar a request for refund of fees under the repealed regulation, section 4C; and immediately before the commencement, the request had not been finally dealt with.
(sec.32-ssec.2) From the commencement, the request is taken to have been made under section 6 of this regulation.
(a) before the commencement, a party had given a registrar a request for refund of fees under the repealed regulation, section 4C; and
(b) immediately before the commencement, the request had not been finally dealt with.
sec.33
Existing applications to pay reduced fee
sec.33 Existing applications to pay reduced fee
This section applies if—
before the commencement, a party had made an application under a repealed provision; and
immediately before the commencement, the application had not been decided.
From the commencement, the application is taken to have been made under the corresponding provision for the repealed provision and must be decided under the corresponding provision.
(sec.33-ssec.1) This section applies if— before the commencement, a party had made an application under a repealed provision; and immediately before the commencement, the application had not been decided.
(sec.33-ssec.2) From the commencement, the application is taken to have been made under the corresponding provision for the repealed provision and must be decided under the corresponding provision.
(a) before the commencement, a party had made an application under a repealed provision; and
(b) immediately before the commencement, the application had not been decided.
sec.34
Existing reviews
sec.34 Existing reviews
This section applies if—
before the commencement, a party had made an application to the court under the repealed regulation, section 10C for a review; and
immediately before the commencement, the court had not finished dealing with the review.
From the commencement—
the application is taken to have been made under section 11 of this regulation; and
the court may deal or continue to deal with the review under that section.
(sec.34-ssec.1) This section applies if— before the commencement, a party had made an application to the court under the repealed regulation, section 10C for a review; and immediately before the commencement, the court had not finished dealing with the review.
(sec.34-ssec.2) From the commencement— the application is taken to have been made under section 11 of this regulation; and the court may deal or continue to deal with the review under that section.
(a) before the commencement, a party had made an application to the court under the repealed regulation, section 10C for a review; and
(b) immediately before the commencement, the court had not finished dealing with the review.
(a) the application is taken to have been made under section 11 of this regulation; and
(b) the court may deal or continue to deal with the review under that section.
sec.35
Existing rights of review
sec.35 Existing rights of review
This section applies if—
before the commencement, a party was entitled under the repealed regulation, section 10C to apply to the court to review a registrar’s decision on an application made by the party under a repealed provision; and
immediately before the commencement, the party had not made the application.
From the commencement, section 11 of this regulation applies to the party as if the application made under the repealed provision had been made under the corresponding provision for the repealed provision.
(sec.35-ssec.1) This section applies if— before the commencement, a party was entitled under the repealed regulation, section 10C to apply to the court to review a registrar’s decision on an application made by the party under a repealed provision; and immediately before the commencement, the party had not made the application.
(sec.35-ssec.2) From the commencement, section 11 of this regulation applies to the party as if the application made under the repealed provision had been made under the corresponding provision for the repealed provision.
(a) before the commencement, a party was entitled under the repealed regulation, section 10C to apply to the court to review a registrar’s decision on an application made by the party under a repealed provision; and
(b) immediately before the commencement, the party had not made the application.
sec.36
References to repealed regulation
sec.36 References to repealed regulation
A reference in a document to the repealed regulation may, if the context permits, be taken to be a reference to this regulation.
pt.4-div.3
Transitional provision for Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Amendment Regulation 2025
Transitional provision for Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Amendment Regulation 2025
sec.37
Fees for particular functions performed before commencement
sec.37 Fees for particular functions performed before commencement
This section applies if—
before the commencement, a registrar, enforcement officer, marshal or marshal’s officer performed a function, or incurred an expense, under a repealed fee provision; and
immediately before the commencement, the fee for performing the function, or in respect of the expense incurred, had not been paid.
From the commencement, the repealed fee provision continues to apply for the purpose of payment of the fee as if the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Amendment Regulation 2025 had not commenced.
In this section—
repealed fee provision means any of the following provisions as in force from time to time before the commencement—
schedule 1, item 15(1), 18, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24;
schedule 2, part 1, item 7(2);
an item of schedule 2, part 2.
s 37 ins 2025 SL No. 57 s 9
(sec.37-ssec.1) This section applies if— before the commencement, a registrar, enforcement officer, marshal or marshal’s officer performed a function, or incurred an expense, under a repealed fee provision; and immediately before the commencement, the fee for performing the function, or in respect of the expense incurred, had not been paid.
(sec.37-ssec.2) From the commencement, the repealed fee provision continues to apply for the purpose of payment of the fee as if the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Amendment Regulation 2025 had not commenced.
(sec.37-ssec.3) In this section— repealed fee provision means any of the following provisions as in force from time to time before the commencement— schedule 1, item 15(1), 18, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24; schedule 2, part 1, item 7(2); an item of schedule 2, part 2.
(a) before the commencement, a registrar, enforcement officer, marshal or marshal’s officer performed a function, or incurred an expense, under a repealed fee provision; and
(b) immediately before the commencement, the fee for performing the function, or in respect of the expense incurred, had not been paid.
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This regulation may be cited as the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2019 .
sec.2 Definitions
sec.2 Definitions
The dictionary in schedule 4 defines particular words used in this regulation.
sec.2A Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
sec.2A Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units
This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded—
if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000—to the nearest dollar (rounding one-half upwards); or
if the result is more than $5,000 but not more than $100,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 dollars (rounding one-half upwards).
If a fee were 35 fee units and the value of a fee unit were $1.015, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying 35 by $1.015 would be $35.525. Because $35.525 is halfway between $35.50 and $35.55, it is rounded upwards, so the amount of the fee would be $35.55.
s 2A ins 2022 SL No. 79 s 170
(sec.2A-ssec.1) This section applies for working out the amount of a fee expressed in this regulation as a number of fee units.
(sec.2A-ssec.2) For the purpose of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 , section 48C (3) , the amount is to be rounded— if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000—to the nearest dollar (rounding one-half upwards); or if the result is more than $5,000 but not more than $100,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 dollars (rounding one-half upwards). If a fee were 35 fee units and the value of a fee unit were $1.015, the number of dollars obtained by multiplying 35 by $1.015 would be $35.525. Because $35.525 is halfway between $35.50 and $35.55, it is rounded upwards, so the amount of the fee would be $35.55. s 2A ins 2022 SL No. 79 s 170
(a) if the result is not more than $100—to the nearest multiple of 5 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
(b) if the result is more than $100 but not more than $1,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 cents (rounding one-half upwards); or
Preserves transitional arrangements and continuity where prior-fee provisions or applications pre-date commencement (Pt 4 Divs 2-3, ss 30-37).
The regulation does not itself contain the fee schedules in full in the material supplied here; it repeatedly references Schedules 1, 2, 2A and 3 for the concrete fee amounts and identifies which fees are subject to the indexation and rounding regimes. It also amends and replaces the 2009 regulation (repeal s 30) and contains specific transitional rules carrying over existing refund or review processes into the new regime (ss 32-36). Where the regulation delegates discretion to registrars (for reduced-fee approvals, special payments to witnesses, deposits), it prescribes procedural constraints (approved forms, evidentiary verification, description of matters to be considered) and a right to judicial review (s 11).
The instrument therefore functions both as a price schedule and as an administrative code: it operationalises when and how fees are payable, who may be relieved or exempt, how court administrators can secure payment by deposits or by vacating dates for non-payment, and how allowances for third parties (witnesses/interpreters/prisoners) are to be paid and calculated.
Main concepts
Several recurring legal and administrative concepts frame the regulation’s operation.
Fee application to courts and schedules
The regulation organises fees by court and links them to schedules. For example, fees and percentages set out in Schedules 1 and 2A apply to the Supreme and District Courts (s 3), Schedule 2 and 2A to Magistrates Courts (s 14), and Schedule 3 to the Planning and Environment Court (s 15). The text uses the schedules to list concrete fees, but the schedules themselves are referenced rather than reproduced in the material provided.
Setting down and hearing fees
A setting down fee and a hearing fee are payable for hearings or trials longer than one day or for non-interlocutory matters, with payment timing rules and responsible payers identified (s 4). Payment deadlines differ depending on the initiating process (plaintiff on request for trial date; applicant on originating process; appellant on appeal) and additional hearing days attract extra hearing fees subject to the same deadline rules (s 4(2)-(5)). Non-payment permits listing to be heard, denial of hearing without leave, or vacation of dates (s 5).
Reduced fees and eligibility categories
The regulation creates three pathways to a reduced fee application to a registrar: (a) categorical eligibility for individuals with legal aid or certain Commonwealth concession cards (s 8); (b) financial hardship for individuals that must be verified by statutory declaration and assessed by the registrar having regard to income and cash holdings (s 9); and (c) corporations, excluded only where the proceeding is under the Corporations Act or Admiralty Act, where the registrar must be satisfied the corporation lacks and cannot reasonably obtain funds (s 10). s 7 defines the types of fees that can be reduced (filing fees in schedule 1, setting down, and hearing fees) and sets out exclusions (Vexatious Proceedings Act regimes, s 7(2)).
Registrars’ administrative role and court review
Registrars have primary decision-making power for approved forms and proof requirements (ss 8-10). Where registrars act, they must record payment date for any reduced fee order (ss 8(5), 9(7), 10(4)), and registrars must refund overpayments where relevant (s 12). A party aggrieved by a registrar’s decision may apply to the court for review, and the court has broad powers to conduct review with or without hearing and to make any order it thinks fit (s 11).
Deposits and cost-assessment fees
Registrars, sheriffs and marshals may demand deposits before or during proceedings for fees that apply (s 18). Assessing registrars set fees for cost assessments and may require deposits up to the full fees payable on the amount submitted (s 17).
Indexation and rounding mechanics
The regulation sets out detailed rounding rules for amounts expressed in fee units (s 2A) and for specific schedule 2A items provides an indexation mechanism for financial years (ss 14A-14E). The CPI multiplier uses the Brisbane all-groups CPI and averages the four quarters to construct the multiplier (s 14C). For certain items, the adjusted amount is calculated using a formula involving a base amount, the CPI multiplier and, in some cases, the Superannuation Guarantee charge percentage (s 14D).
Witness/interpreter allowances
Part 3 defines the categories of relevant persons (expert, interpreter, professional or non-professional witnesses), includes audiovisual attendance by link as attendance for allowance purposes (s 19A), and prescribes travel, accommodation and attendance allowances with specific dollar amounts and calculation rules (ss 21-26). Travel allowances link to actual public transport fares or the Public Sector Act 2022 kilometre rate where public transport is not available; air travel allowances are economy for non-professionals and first class for professionals/experts if air travel is reasonable (s 22). Accommodation allowances use rates under the Public Sector Act 2022 and a defined absence calculation (s 23). Attendance allowances are tiered by witness type, age and hours of absence (ss 24-26). Registrars can approve additional reasonable amounts for special circumstances (s 27).
State-related persons and fee prepayment
State-related persons are not required to prepay fees of court (s 16(1)), but where the State pays and judgment is given against another party, the State may recover fees with costs (s 16(2)). State-related person is defined broadly to include the Sovereign, the State, consolidated-fund-funded entities and persons acting for such entities (s 16(3)).
Transitional continuity
The regulation expressly repeals the 2009 regulation (s 30) but carries forward existing refund requests, pending reduced-fee applications, reviews and rights of review into the new regime (ss 32-36). It also preserves payment liability under certain repealed provisions where fees relate to functions performed before the 2025 amendment commenced (s 37).
These concepts shape behaviour: who pays when; when court processes can be adjourned or vacated for non-payment; how registrars exercise administrative discretion and what evidence they require; how fees will rise via indexation and rounding; and how witness/interpreter costs are capped and calculated.
Who it affects
The regulation affects a wide set of actors involved in civil litigation and court administration in Queensland.
Primary affected parties
Plaintiffs, applicants and appellants: these parties are often designated as the payer of setting down and hearing fees (s 4(2)). Timing and responsibility differ by procedural posture (request for trial date under UCPR r 467, originating process, appeals) and failure to pay can lead to listing, denial of hearing without leave or vacation of dates (ss 4-5).
Defendants and respondents: while often not the initial payer of setting down/hearing fees, defendants may be ordered to pay later and may be liable if registrars require deposits as proceedings continue (s 18). Where a party wins judgment, costs orders may include recovery of fees paid by a state-related person (s 16(2)).
Corporations and corporate insolvency representatives
Corporations are explicitly treated as potential fee payers and must pay corporate fees where a person acts for a corporation (s 3(4)). Corporations may apply for reduced fees under s 10, but not for proceedings under the Corporations Act or the Admiralty Act (s 10(1)). Liquidators, receivers and administrators are charged the corporation fee, not the individual fee (s 3(4)).
Court administrators and judicial officers
Registrars, enforcement officers, marshals, sheriffs and assessing registrars are given administrative powers: to approve reduced fees (ss 8-10), to require deposits (s 18), to fix fees for cost assessments and demand deposits (s 17), to approve additional witness amounts (s 27), and to refund overpayments (s 12). The regulation also declares that these officials need not pay fees mentioned in relevant schedules (s 3(3), s 14(2)).
Witnesses, experts, and interpreters
The regulation directly prescribes entitlements for relevant persons (experts, interpreters, non-professional and professional witnesses) to travelling, accommodation and attendance allowances (ss 21-26). Special categories affect entitlement: for example, a doctor employed under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 who is a health service employee has a different attendance allowance rate (s 25(3)). Prisoners who are granted leave to engage in employment and who lose salary or wages while attending court are entitled to an allowance decided by the chief executive but capped by the amounts in s 21 (s 29).
State-related entities
The State, the Sovereign and entities funded from the consolidated fund do not have to prepay fees of court (s 16(1)). If the State does prepay and judgment is rendered against another party, that prepaying State-related person may recover fees with costs from the other party (s 16(2)). This both lowers upfront cost for state-related litigants and preserves recovery rights.
Public and private legal assistance recipients
Individuals who have received legal assistance under the Legal Aid Queensland Act 1997 or aid under the Public Trustee Act 1978, or who hold Commonwealth concession cards enumerated in s 8, are eligible to apply to a registrar for reduced fees under s 8. Those receiving youth allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY payments are similarly eligible under s 8(1)(d). Financial hardship applicants falling outside s 8 must apply under s 9 and provide statutory-declaration-verified evidence.
Regulated professionals and employers
Employers who may supply private vehicles that witnesses use, entities employing medical doctors (Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011) and public sector employees (Public Sector Act 2022 rates referenced in ss 22-23) are indirectly affected because the regulation ties allowance rates to public sector scales and kilometre rates under that Act.
Legal representatives and litigant solicitors
Solicitors who file costs statements pay any fees fixed by the assessing registrar on allowance (s 17(1)(c)). Solicitors conducting proceedings can be required to pay fees for taking accounts and deposits (s 13).
Administrative audience and information consumers
Chief executives of departments have a publication duty (s 14F) to publish fee amounts worked out for financial years where the amounts are in effect. Users who rely on fee amounts for budgeting or compliance must consult that departmental publication to obtain the effective amounts for indexed fees.
Transitional stakeholders
Persons with existing refund requests or existing applications under the repealed regulation are treated as having made those applications under the corresponding provisions in the new regulation (ss 32-35), and so practitioners handling carry-over matters must take the new procedure steps and payment consequences into account.
Overall, the regulation affects those who initiate or defend civil proceedings, court officers who administer fees and allowances, third parties who attend court as witnesses or interpreters, and institutional litigants such as the State. It imposes operational steps (payments, applications in approved form, statutory declarations, deposits, records) that each group must observe.
Key duties and rights
The regulation allocates procedural duties and substantive rights across parties, registrars, courts and other actors. Below are the main operative duties and rights grounded in specific provisions.
Duties to pay fees and timing obligations
Parties designated by s 4(2) have an express duty to pay setting down and hearing fees except for hearings of one day or less or interlocutory applications (s 4(1)-(2)). Timing requirements are prescriptive: fees must be paid on filing the request for trial date or certificate of readiness where those routes apply, or by the earlier of 10 business days after notification of the hearing date and 9.30 a.m. on the first hearing day (s 4(4)). For additional hearing dates, the same earlier-of deadlines apply (s 4(5)). Where an order under ss 8-10 states a day by which a reduced fee must be paid, the reduced fee is payable on or before that day (s 7(3), s 8(5), s 9(7), s 10(4)).
Registrar and court powers on non-payment
If a party fails to pay (s 5), a registrar may list the matter for hearing about non-payment, or the court may order that the hearing proceed only with leave or vacate any existing hearing dates (s 5(1)(a)-(c)). The court’s powers under s 5(1) do not limit other powers to make orders in relation to the proceeding (s 5(2)).
Right to reduced fees and application procedure
A party has a statutory right to apply for reduced fees for specified “relevant fees” (s 7(1)). Eligibility categories are distinct: categorical concessions and legal aid (s 8), financial hardship subject to statutory declaration verification and registrar assessment (s 9), and corporate inability to pay requiring registrar satisfaction (s 10). Applications must be in an approved form and accompanied by proof (s 8(3)-(4); s 9(2) requires statutory-declaration verified documents; s 10(2) requires the approved form). Registrars who receive s 8 applications must, by order, approve the reduced fee and state the day for payment (s 8(4)-(5)).
Refund rights
A party who timely withdraws a hearing or trial is entitled to a 75% refund of the setting down and hearing fees if they apply in approved form at least 10 business days before the first hearing/trial day and the hearing does not occur (s 6(1)-(2)). Where a registrar orders a reduced fee but the party has already paid the higher fee, the registrar must refund the excess amount (s 12).
Registrar discretion and records
Registrars, sheriffs and marshals may require deposits on account of fees before or during a proceeding, and must record such deposits in the court file (s 18). Assessing registrars may fix fees for cost assessments, require deposits up to the full fee payable on the submitted amount, and must note any deposit on the costs statement (s 17(1)-(3)).
Witness and interpreter entitlements and conditions
Relevant persons are entitled to travelling, accommodation and attendance allowances (s 21). Travelling allowances reimburse actual public transport fares or, where not available, are calculated at the Public Sector Act 2022 per-kilometre rate (s 22). Accommodation allowances use the rates payable to public service officers under the Public Sector Act 2022 (s 23). Attendance allowances are specified amounts by witness type, age and hours absent (ss 24-26). Registrars may approve additional reasonable amounts in special circumstances (s 27). If GST applies to a supply for s 25 or s 26 amounts, the payable amount is increased to account for GST (s 28).
State-related person prepayment exemption and recovery right
A state-related person need not prepay fees of court, but if the State pays and judgment is given against another party, the State may recover those fees with costs from the other party (s 16).
Publication and indexation duties
The chief executive must publish the fee amounts worked out under the indexation subdivision for a financial year while those amounts are in effect (s 14F). The indexation and rounding regimes in ss 2A, 14C-14E create duties on administrators to calculate and apply the CPI multiplier and the specified formulas for schedule 2A fees.
Review rights
A party dissatisfied with a registrar’s decision on a reduced-fee application may apply to the court for review; the court may consider the application with or without a hearing, consider anything the registrar had to consider, and make any order it considers appropriate (s 11).
Transitional duties
Registrars and courts must treat pre-commencement refund requests and applications as if made under the corresponding provisions of the new regulation, and must continue or finish pre-existing reviews under s 11 where relevant (ss 32-35).
These duties and rights create a system where fees are lawfully payable by defined litigant classes, registrars supervise concessions and deposits under procedural constraints, applicants have an administrative and judicial route for relief, and witnesses/interpreters have enumerated entitlements linked to public sector scales and clear calculation methods.
Penalties and enforcement
The regulation does not create criminal offences or fixed pecuniary fines in the text provided, but it establishes enforcement mechanisms in the civil-administrative sphere. Enforcement occurs through court administration, judicial orders, deposit requirements and cost regimes. The main enforcement tools and consequences are:
Administrative enforcement and court control of proceedings
Non-payment consequences: If a party fails to pay the setting down or hearing fee, the registrar can list the matter of non-payment for hearing before the court, and on hearing the court may make appropriate orders or directions (s 5(1)(a)). The court may also order that a hearing or trial not proceed except with leave (s 5(1)(b)) or vacate any hearing/trial date previously set (s 5(1)(c)). These are case-management levers that can effectively delay or curtail a party’s right to proceed until fees are paid.
Deposits as a cash-security mechanism
Registrars, sheriffs or marshals may require deposits on account of fees either before proceedings start or at any time during proceedings (s 18(1)). The requirement to record the deposit on the court file when paid (s 18(2)) supports traceability and establishes a clear record that can be enforced by the court. Assessing registrars can require deposits for assessments of costs up to the full fees payable on the amount submitted (s 17(2)), which functions as an advance charge to secure administrative costs.
Cost orders and recovery
Fees for taking an account are part of the party’s costs of the proceeding and are payable by the party having the conduct of the order unless the court orders otherwise (s 13(2)(a)-(b)). The regulation makes the solicitor or party filing a costs statement responsible for fees fixed by the assessing registrar (s 17(1)(c)). The court’s costs orders ordinarily provide a mechanism to re-allocate these fees and thereby enforce payment through the cost judgment.
State recovery rights
If a state-related person has paid fees of court and judgment is given against another party, the state-related person may recover the fees with costs from that other party (s 16(2)). That provides a recovery route for fees expended by State actors in litigation.
Refunds and offsets
The registrar must refund excess amounts where a reduced-fee order is made after payment of a higher fee (s 12). The refund obligation is a declaratory enforcement mechanism to correct prior payments and does not itself penalise non-compliance, but it reinstates the correct financial position.
Registrar discretion and administrative checks
The regulation delegates approval powers to registrars but requires approved forms and proof for applications (ss 8-10). The registrar’s decisions can be reviewed by the court (s 11). The availability of judicial review acts as an enforcement and correctness mechanism for administrative decisions that affect fee liabilities.
No express criminal or civil penalties in the text provided
The instrument does not prescribe criminal offences or statutory pecuniary penalties for failure to comply with the regulation’s payment or procedural requirements. Rather, the enforcement architecture is procedural and civil: denial or postponement of hearings, deposit demands, cost orders, and recoveries. If statutory fines or enforcement powers exist elsewhere (for example, under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules or court practice notes), they are not included in the text provided and should be checked in those instruments.
Discretionary approvals and exceptional payments
Registrars may approve additional reasonable payments to witnesses in special circumstances (s 27). That discretion allows administrative remedies where fixed amounts would be inadequate.
Indexation compliance and publication
The regulation requires administrators to calculate indexation (s 14C-14E) and publish effective fee amounts annually (s 14F). Failure to publish may not be directly penalised in the text provided, but non-publication would impede the regulation’s transparency and create implementation risk.
Implementation risks affecting enforcement
Because much enforcement relies on administrative action by registrars and court officers, inconsistent application of deposit requirements, approval processes for reduced fees, or recording of deposits could create uneven enforcement outcomes. The judicial review mechanism (s 11) is the corrective channel available.
In short, enforcement is achieved by controlling access to procedural steps (hearing dates), requiring cash security (deposits), reallocating financial responsibility via cost orders and refunds, and through administrative record-keeping and published fee amounts. No criminal sanctions or fixed penalties are set out in the provided text.
How it interacts with other laws
The regulation explicitly cross-references and interfaces with several statutes and the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules, creating dependencies in calculation, eligibility, procedure and rates. Below are the concrete linkages grounded in the text.
Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999
Payment timing and filing references: The designation of who pays and when for setting down fees and hearing fees depends on rules under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules (UCPR). For example, a plaintiff pays for a claim where a request for trial date is filed under UCPR r 467, and references to certificate of readiness for District Court appeals refer to UCPR r 790 (s 4(2)-(3), (4)). Rule 415B is referenced for notices directing attendance by audio or audio visual link and affects travel/accommodation allowance calculations (s 21A).
The regulation repeatedly incorporates UCPR procedures as the mechanism by which particular fee-related events occur (filing, listing, adding appeals to lists), so fee compliance is functionally linked to UCPR practice and timelines.
Acts Interpretation Act 1954
Rounding rules refer to the Acts Interpretation Act 1954, section 48C(3), and the regulation prescribes how to round amounts expressed as numbers of fee units (s 2A). The regulation thereby operates within the statutory interpretation framework for monetary figures.
District Court of Queensland Act 1967 and Magistrates Courts Act 1921
The regulation prescribes that, for the District Court of Queensland Act 1967 s 45(1), fees under schedule 2A (other than item 5) are prescribed as bailiffs’ fees and sets an exception for bailiffs employed as public service officers (s 3(5)-(6)). For the Magistrates Courts Act 1921 s 3C(2), the fees under schedule 2A (other than item 5) are similarly prescribed (s 14(3)). These cross-references mean schedule 2A fees take on prescribed-fee status under those Acts for bailiff activities.
Legal Aid Queensland Act 1997, Public Trustee Act 1978, Social Security Act 1991
Eligibility for registrar-issued reduced fees for individuals draws on whether the person has been given legal assistance under the Legal Aid Queensland Act 1997, aid under the Public Trustee Act 1978, or holds specified Commonwealth concession cards or receives specified allowances/benefits under the Social Security Act 1991 (s 8). The regulation therefore uses external entitlement schemes to define discrete fee-relief categories.
Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005
The regulation excludes certain proceedings from reduced-fee applications where the Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005 s 10(2) applies or where an application for leave under s 11 of that Act has not yet been granted (s 7(2)). That interaction ensures fee relief cannot be sought in contexts where vexatious litigation controls are engaged, preserving the stricter procedural controls those provisions impose.
The adjustment formula in s 14D for certain schedule 2A fees uses the charge percentage within the meaning of the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 s 19(2). This ties indexation not only to CPI but also to a national superannuation statutory rate as a multiplicative factor for fee adjustment.
Public Sector Act 2022
Several allowances reference rates payable under the Public Sector Act 2022, specifically the per-kilometre rate for private motor vehicle use (s 22(1)(b)) and accommodation allowance rates for public service officers (s 23(1)). Reliance on public-sector pay scales ties the private reimbursement entitlements to rates set in that separate employment statute.
Evidence Act 1977
Part 3 introduces the concept of audio link and audio visual link by reference to the Evidence Act 1977 (s 19 definitions and s 19A). This ties allowance entitlements for witnesses giving evidence remotely to definitions in the Evidence Act and to UCPR rule 415B for notices directing link attendance (s 21A).
Corrective Services Act 2006 and Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011; Health Practitioner Regulation National Law
The prisoner allowance regime references the Corrective Services Act 2006 for the prisoner definition and requires the chief executive to determine allowances within caps based on s 21 rates (s 29). Section 25(3) provides a distinct attendance allowance for doctors employed under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 who are health service employees; s 27(2) cites specialist health practitioner status under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law as a special circumstance justifying additional payments.
Acts repealed and transitional provisions
The regulation repeals the Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2009 (s 30) and contains transitional provisions to treat pre-commencement refund requests and applications under the old instrument as if made under the corresponding provisions in the new regulation (ss 32-35). Specific pre-commencement fees remain payable under the repealed provisions for particular functions performed before the 2025 amendment commencement (s 37), which ensures continuity of payment obligations.
Interplay implications
These cross-references create dependencies: eligibility depends on social security and legal-aid statues; fee indexation depends on ABS CPI measures and the SG charge percentage; entitlements to travel and accommodation reimbursements hinge on Public Sector Act rates; and procedural timing and notices are governed by the UCPR. Practitioners and administrators must coordinate across these instruments to calculate fees, determine eligibility, and ensure compliance.
Amendment history
The regulation text includes multiple amendment and insertion notations showing iterative changes since its enactment. The document reproduces amendment flags and dates for several provisions. Below is an itemised, source-grounded timeline based on amendment notations contained in the text provided.
Original instrument and repeal
The Uniform Civil Procedure (Fees) Regulation 2009 was the predecessor regulation. The 2019 regulation (the instrument in hand) repeals the 2009 regulation (s 30). The transitional provisions in Pt 4 Div 2 ensure continuity for pending matters under the former instrument (ss 31-36).
Insertions and later amendments noted in the text
Section 2A (Rounding of amounts expressed as numbers of fee units) shows an insertion in 2022: "s 2A ins 2022 SL No. 79 s 170". The provision on rounding is annotated twice in the text with the 2022 insertion reference.
Section 3 shows a substitution in 2025: "s 3 sub 2025 SL No. 57 s 4". The altered subsections for s 3 reflect the 2025 amendment.
Sections 6-13 and others retain earlier dating where amendments are noted; example: s 8 shows amendment "s 8 amd 2024 SL No. 204 s 3". That signals the 2024 statutory instrument SL No. 204 amended s 8.
Section 9 records amendment "s 9 amd 2021 SL No. 11 s 6". Section 9 thus was amended in 2021 by SL No. 11.
Sections 13 and 14 are recorded as substituted or amended in 2025 "s 13 sub 2025 SL No. 57 s 4" and "s 14 sub 2025 SL No. 57 s 5", consistent with broader 2025 changes affecting fees and schedules.
Part 3 insertions: Section 19 added "audio link" and "audio visual link" definitions with the insertion notation "s 19 def audio link ins 2024 SL No. 4 s 14" and similar for audio visual link, indicating 2024 changes possibly aligning allowances with remote evidence practices.
Section 19A was inserted "s 19A ins 2024 SL No. 4 s 15" to clarify that references to attending court include attendance by audio or audio-visual link.
Sections 21 and others in Part 3 show amendments in 2024: section 21 "s 21 amd 2024 SL No. 4 s 16"; sections 22-23 have 2023 and 2024 amendment notations updating travel and accommodation references to the Public Sector Act 2022 and potentially revising rates and calculation methods.
Sections 24-26 show multiple amendment flags across several years (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), reflecting periodic adjustments to the dollar amounts for attendance allowances: for example, s 24 includes "s 24 amd 2020 SL No. 143 s 119; 2021 SL No. 84 s 118; 2022 SL No. 79 s 171; 2023 SL No. 60 s 14; 2024 SL No. 4 s 18; 2024 SL No. 62 s 16; 2025 SL No. 44 s 14". The multiplicity of amendments shows the attendance rates have been periodically updated by subordinate legislation annually or near-annually.
Sections 25 and 26 similarly contain sequences of amendment notations across years up to 2025, indicating progressive adjustments to professional witness and interpreter allowances.
Part 2 Div 2A (s 14A-14F) shows explicit insertion in 2025: "s 14A ins 2025 SL No. 57 s 6", and s 14B-14F are also marked as inserted in 2025. These provisions create the indexation and publication regime for schedule 2A fees starting with the 2025-2026 financial year.
Section 37 (transitional provision for 2025 amendment) is inserted with "s 37 ins 2025 SL No. 57 s 9", confirming the 2025 Amendment Regulation made transitional provision for certain fees.
Practical reading of amendment annotations
Each "ins" marks an insertion; "amd" marks amendment; "sub" marks substitution. The statutory instrument numbers and section references (for example, "2025 SL No. 57 s 6") indicate the amending subordinate legislation and the amending section. The textual history recorded in parentheses in many subsections repeats provisions and shows that legislative editors have included both pre- and post-amendment text runs for clarity.
Substantive changes signalled by annotations in the text
The addition of s 19A and insertion of audio link/audiovisual link definitions in 2024 suggests an explicit adaptation to remote evidence procedures and attendant allowance rules.
The 2025 insertion of ss 14A-14F introduces an annual mechanism for adjusting fees in schedule 2A using CPI and charge percentage factors and requires publication, which is a structural shift from static schedule entries to indexed fees.
Repeated amendments to attendance allowance dollar figures across 2020-2025 indicate regular re-pricing of witness/interpreter entitlements, possibly to keep them aligned with cost-of-living changes or policy decisions tracked via subordinate legislation.
Transitional continuity for past rights and pending processes
The repeal of the 2009 regulation and the transitional provisions (ss 31-36) preserve the rights of persons whose matters were in process at commencement. Section 37 preserves the applicability of some repealed fee provisions to functions performed prior to the 2025 amendment’s commencement.
For precise wording of each amendment and the schedules that contain the concrete fee amounts, practitioners should consult the original amending instruments cited in the annotations (e.g., SL No. 57 of 2025, SL No. 4 of 2024, etc.) and the consolidated regulation maintained by the relevant Queensland government publisher.
Litigation history
The text provided contains no case law or litigation precedents, and it does not reference any judicial determinations interpreting the regulation. It does, however, create procedural routes that could give rise to litigation or judicial review. The primary judicial interaction points the regulation itself creates are:
Review of registrar decisions
A statutory right to seek a review by the court of a registrar’s decision on reduced-fee applications is explicit (s 11). The court may conduct the review with or without a hearing, consider what the registrar was required to consider, and make any order it considers appropriate (s 11(2)). Because this is a direct statutory review mechanism, it will be the main source of litigation history in the future: disagreements over whether the registrar correctly applied the criteria in ss 8-10 (e.g., whether a person meets a concession card test, whether financial hardship is established, or whether a corporation cannot reasonably obtain funds) will be litigated under s 11’s review route.
Costs and fee disputes
Disputes over whether fees were payable, over deposit demands by registrars/sheriffs/marshals, and over refunds may generate interlocutory applications or be argued in the context of costs and taxation proceedings, especially where assessing registrars fix fees under s 17 or where refunds are sought under s 12. The regulation provides mechanisms for depositing and documenting payments (s 18), but practice disputes as to reasonableness or timing could be litigated before the courts.
Enforcement via case management
The court’s power to vacate dates or require leave to proceed for non-payment (s 5) could be the subject of interlocutory appeals or judicial consideration where parties dispute the appropriateness of using non-payment as a management tool or where a party contends natural justice or procedural fairness concerns.
Absence of reported litigation in the source
The instrument as provided contains no named judicial decisions, no citations to case law, and no litigation history commentary. For a practitioner wanting to understand how these provisions have been applied by Queensland courts, the next step would be to search judicial databases for decisions citing the specific sections (for example, s 4, s 5, s 8-11, s 17, s 18, and Part 3 allowances) to analyse application and interpretive approaches judges have taken.
Potential litigation vectors (based on the text’s architecture)
Challenges to registrar refusal or condition on reduced-fee orders (s 11).
Disputes about the adequacy of proof provided for financial hardship or concession card eligibility (ss 8-9).
Contention over registrar-mandated deposits and their timing or amount (s 18).
Appeals concerning assessment-of-costs fees and assessing-registrar deposit demands (s 17).
Conflicts over witness/interpreter entitlements where travel, accommodation or attendance calculations hinge on the reasonableness standards set out in ss 21-26, or where GST treatment of supplies is disputed (s 28).
Because the text provides the administrative routes and judicial review rights, any substantive litigation history will arise from application of those provisions in specific factual matrices. The regulation frames the legal avenues; litigation records will show how courts balance administrative efficiency, access to justice (reduced-fee orders), and procedural fairness.
Gotchas
Practitioners should note discrete operational and substantive pitfalls embedded in the regulation. These are not evaluative judgements but source-grounded practical risks and traps that frequently generate client enquiries.
Timing traps for payment
The regulation sets precise timing triggers for when setting down/hearing fees must be paid (s 4(4)-(5)). For some matters the deadline is the moment a request for trial date or certificate of readiness is filed; for others it is the earlier of 10 business days after a registrar sets a date and 9.30 a.m. on the first hearing day. Missing these cut-offs risks the registrar listing the non-payment for hearing or the court vacating the date (s 5). Practitioners must check the applicable procedural route (UCPR r 467, r 790) to know the correct trigger.
Reduced-fee orders can remove other fees
If a registrar orders payment of the reduced fee in lieu of a filing fee (schedule 1 item) that normally starts a proceeding, the regulation provides that setting down and hearing fees are not payable for that proceeding (s 7(4)). Likewise, if a reduced fee replaces the setting down fee, the hearing fee is not payable (s 7(5)). A practitioner relying on a reduced-fee order must ensure how it interacts with other fees to prevent double payment or erroneous payment of fees later.
Narrow eligibility windows and excluded proceedings
Applications under ss 8-10 for reduced fees are not available in proceedings to which the Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005 s 10(2) applies, and applications for leave under s 11 of that Act cannot be the subject of reduced-fee applications unless the leave is granted (s 7(2)). Corporations cannot seek reduced fees for Corporations Act or Admiralty Act proceedings (s 10(1)). Misapplication of eligibility criteria could lead to administrative denial and wasted time.
Proof and verification requirements
For financial hardship under s 9, any supporting information or documents must be verified by statutory declaration (s 9(3)), and the registrar may decide summarily and without extensive investigation (s 9(6)). That creates a trade-off: summary decisions increase speed but may limit discovery of further evidence. Practitioners must prepare statutory-declaration verified evidence of income, living expenses, bank balances and cash on hand (s 9(4)).
Registrar discretion and limited appeal scope
While s 11 allows review by the court, the registrar’s decision is primary and may be made summarily (s 9(6)). Parties should preserve evidence and be prepared to seek review promptly, as the regulation expects registrars to act efficiently.
Deposits and record-keeping requirements
Registrars, sheriffs and marshals may require deposits before or during proceedings, and must note payments on the court file (s 18). Failure to record deposits properly could complicate later cost or refund claims. Also, assessing registrars may demand deposits up to the full fees payable on submitted costs (s 17(2)), so be ready for substantial cash calls in taxation matters.
Rounding and indexation complexity
Rounding rules for amounts expressed in fee units are complex (s 2A), with different rounding increments depending on the dollar band. Schedule 2A fee items have an indexation regime using CPI multipliers and the Superannuation Guarantee charge percentage for some items (ss 14C-14D). Practitioners must be precise when calculating fees to avoid small but material errors.
Reliance on external instruments for rates
Travel and accommodation allowances refer to rates under the Public Sector Act 2022 (ss 22-23). Changes in those external rates directly affect the amounts payable under this regulation. Similarly, CPI values are the Brisbane all-groups CPI published by the ABS (s 14C). Practitioners must monitor those external instruments.
GST adjustments
If an attendance amount under s 25 or s 26 is for a supply attracting GST, the payable amount is to be increased to take account of GST (s 28). Failure to treat GST correctly can leave an interpreter or expert under-reimbursed or a litigant liable for GST shortfall.
State-related persons exemption nuance
State-related persons need not prepay fees (s 16(1)). But if the state has paid and judgment is against another party, the state may recover fees with costs from that other party (s 16(2)). This can be counterintuitive: the State’s exemption from prepayment shifts the cash flow but preserves recovery. The definition of state-related person is broad (s 16(3)) and includes persons acting for the State or consolidated-fund entities.
Witness attendance by link
s 19A and s 21A treat attendance by audio or audio-visual link as attendance for allowance purposes and direct that, where evidence is given from a place other than employment or residence, that place is treated as the court for travel/accommodation calculations. Practitioners must consider this when subpoenas direct remote attendance under UCPR r 415B.
Transitional continuity for old applications
Requests and applications pending under the repealed 2009 regulation are taken to be continued under new provisions (ss 32-35). However, s 37 preserves the applicability of some repealed fee provisions for functions performed before the 2025 amendment. Keep track of whether a fee claim relates to pre- or post-commencement activity.
These gotchas are practical compliance and implementation traps that arise from interplay between timing, application formality, registrar discretion, external rate references, indexation and rounding rules, and transitional arrangements. Practitioners should build checklists to manage deadlines, proof formats (statutory declarations), deposit obligations, and arithmetic for indexation and rounding.
How to comply
The regulation prescribes specific procedural steps, documentary requirements and calculation rules. The following compliance checklist is grounded in the regulation’s provisions and is framed for practitioners and court administrators.
Identify which schedule and part apply to your court and fee
Determine which court your matter is in and which schedule applies: Schedules 1 and 2A for Supreme and District Courts (s 3), Schedules 2 and 2A for Magistrates Courts (s 14), and Schedule 3 for Planning and Environment Court matters (s 15). Use the schedule applicable to the court and fee type to identify base amounts.
Calculate fees carefully, observing fee-unit rounding rules and indexation
If fees are expressed in fee units, apply s 2A rounding rules. For particular schedule 2A items governed by ss 14A-14E, apply the formulae: for 2025-26 some fees are fixed at column 2 (s 14A); for later years use CPI multiplier (s 14C) and the adjusted-amount formulas in s 14D (which may include the Superannuation Guarantee charge percentage) or in s 14E as specified. Round results as prescribed (s 14D(4), s 14E(2)).
Meet payment timing obligations for setting down and hearing fees
If the matter requires a setting down or hearing fee (multi-day hearing or non-interlocutory), pay by the deadline appropriate to your initiating procedure: when filing the request for trial date or certificate of readiness, or by the earlier of 10 business days after the registrar sets the date and 9.30 a.m. on the first hearing day (s 4(4)-(5)). For additional hearing dates, apply the same earlier-of deadlines (s 4(5)).
Apply for reduced fees correctly and with required proof
Use the approved form to apply to a registrar. For s 8 (categorical eligibility) attach proof of legal aid, Public Trustee aid, a qualifying Commonwealth concession card, or receipt of youth allowance/Austudy/ABSTUDY (s 8(1)-(3)). For s 9 (financial hardship), complete the approved form, attach documentary evidence of income, expenses, bank balances, cash on hand, and verify supporting documents by statutory declaration (s 9(2)-(3)). For corporations under s 10, apply in the approved form and present evidence demonstrating a lack of and inability to obtain sufficient funds (s 10(2)-(3)). Ensure the registrar’s order, when made, states the day by which the reduced fee is to be paid (s 8(5), s 9(7), s 10(4)).
Preserve review rights and act promptly on adverse registrar decisions
If dissatisfied with a registrar’s decision on a reduced-fee application, promptly apply to the court under s 11. Prepare to argue the registrar’s decision by referencing the matters the registrar was required to consider and by presenting any additional evidence the court may require.
File refund requests in the approved form and within deadlines
To obtain the 75% refund of setting down and hearing fees under s 6, submit the approved form requesting a refund at least 10 business days before the first hearing/trial day and ensure the hearing or trial does not occur (s 6(1)). For registrar-ordered reduced fees made after payment, seek a refund for the excess amount as required by s 12.
Prepare for deposit demands and document them
Expect registrars, sheriffs or marshals to require deposits before or at any time during proceedings (s 18(1)). When a deposit is paid, ensure the registrar, sheriff or marshal records it on the court file (s 18(2)). For assessments of costs, be ready for an assessing registrar to require a deposit up to the full fees payable on the full amount submitted (s 17(2)) and for that deposit to be noted on the costs statement (s 17(3)).
Record and substantiate witness/interpreter allowances
If calling witnesses or interpreters, retain receipts for public transport fares. If public transport is unavailable and private vehicle use is required, apply the per-kilometre rate under the Public Sector Act 2022 for calculation (s 22(1)(b)). For air travel, follow the class rules in s 22(4) (economy for non-professionals/interpreters; first class for professionals/experts where reasonable). Calculate accommodation allowances per the Public Sector Act 2022 rates and follow the absence-day counting rules (s 23(1)-(2)). For attendance allowances, apply the age tiers and hourly/day rates in ss 24-26; take travelling time into account where the necessary absence includes travelling (s 25(4), s 26(3)). Where GST applies to supplies, increase the payable amount accordingly (s 28). If special circumstances exist, seek registrar approval for an additional reasonable amount under s 27.
Check state-related person status before prepaying
If representing a state-related person, note that prepayment of fees is not required (s 16(1)). If the State chooses to pay, remember the right to recover fees with costs from another party where judgment is given against that party (s 16(2)). Confirm whether the client falls within the definition of state-related person (s 16(3)).
Monitor published fee amounts and external indices
For schedule 2A fees subject to indexation, consult the chief executive’s publication on the department website for the effective amounts (s 14F). Monitor the Brisbane all-groups CPI series used to calculate the CPI multiplier (s 14C), and the Superannuation Guarantee charge percentage (used in s 14D) for indexed calculations.
Consider transitional provisions for pre-existing matters
If the matter predates certain commencements, check transitional rules: pending refund requests under the repealed regulation are treated as if made under s 6 (s 32); pending reduced-fee applications are taken to be under corresponding provisions (s 33); pending reviews are continued under s 11 (s 34). For fees relating to functions performed before the 2025 amendment, the repealed fee provisions continue to apply as if the amendment had not commenced for those functions (s 37).
Keep documentary proof and maintain audit trails
Maintain statutory declarations, concession card copies, bank statements, receipts for travel and accommodation, deposit receipts and court file notes. Registrars and assessing registrars are required to record deposits and orders on court files (ss 8(5), 12, 17(3), 18(2)). Accurate records support refunds, reviews, costs taxation and audit.
Align practice with the UCPR and related statutes
Because many triggers, notices and procedures reference the UCPR, coordinate fee compliance with procedural practice under the UCPR (r 467, r 790, r 415B). Where amounts are linked to external Acts (Public Sector Act, Superannuation Guarantee Act, Social Security Act, Evidence Act), track and apply relevant definitions and rates.
Plan for administrative discretion and be ready to justify exceptional requests
Where higher witness payments or departures from standard calculation methods may be necessary, prepare persuasive material to present to the registrar under s 27. Similarly, for corporate reduced-fee applications under s 10, document why funds cannot reasonably be obtained elsewhere.
Following these steps will align practice to the regulation’s requirements, reduce the risk of non-payment consequences, and preserve appeal/review options where administrative decisions are adverse.
Division pt.2-div.1Supreme Court and District Court
(c) if the result is more than $1,000 but not more than $5,000—to the nearest dollar (rounding one-half upwards); or
(d) if the result is more than $5,000 but not more than $100,000—to the nearest multiple of 10 dollars (rounding one-half upwards).
pt.2 Court fees
Court fees
pt.2-div.1 Supreme Court and District Court
Supreme Court and District Court
sec.3 Fees for Supreme Court and District Court generally
sec.3 Fees for Supreme Court and District Court generally
This part (other than divisions 2 and 3 ) and schedules 1 and 2A apply for the Supreme Court and the District Court and set out fees payable in relation to proceedings in the Supreme Court and the District Court.
See division 2A , subdivision 2 for working out the amount of particular fees in relation to service and enforcement.
Neither schedule 1 nor 2A applies in relation to, or affects, fees or percentages directed to be taken or paid by an Act for which no fee or percentage is stated in the schedule.
A registrar, enforcement officer, marshal or marshal’s officer need not pay a fee mentioned in schedule 1 or 2A .
To remove any doubt, it is declared that for applying this part (other than divisions 2 , 2A and 3 ) and schedule 1 , a liquidator, receiver, administrator or other person acting for, or on behalf of, a corporation in a proceeding must pay the fee payable by a corporation.
For the District Court of Queensland Act 1967 , section 45 (1) , the fees under schedule 2A , other than item 5, are prescribed as bailiffs’ fees.
However, for a bailiff employed as a public service officer on a full-time or part-time basis, a fee mentioned in subsection (5) is prescribed as a bailiff’s fee only to the extent the function to which the fee relates is performed by the bailiff outside the bailiff’s normal working hours.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection (6) does not affect the amount payable by the person for whom the function is performed.
s 3 sub 2025 SL No. 57 s 4
(sec.3-ssec.1) This part (other than divisions 2 and 3 ) and schedules 1 and 2A apply for the Supreme Court and the District Court and set out fees payable in relation to proceedings in the Supreme Court and the District Court. See division 2A , subdivision 2 for working out the amount of particular fees in relation to service and enforcement.
(sec.3-ssec.2) Neither schedule 1 nor 2A applies in relation to, or affects, fees or percentages directed to be taken or paid by an Act for which no fee or percentage is stated in the schedule.
(sec.3-ssec.3) A registrar, enforcement officer, marshal or marshal’s officer need not pay a fee mentioned in schedule 1 or 2A .
(sec.3-ssec.4) To remove any doubt, it is declared that for applying this part (other than divisions 2 , 2A and 3 ) and schedule 1 , a liquidator, receiver, administrator or other person acting for, or on behalf of, a corporation in a proceeding must pay the fee payable by a corporation.
(sec.3-ssec.5) For the District Court of Queensland Act 1967 , section 45 (1) , the fees under schedule 2A , other than item 5, are prescribed as bailiffs’ fees.
(sec.3-ssec.6) However, for a bailiff employed as a public service officer on a full-time or part-time basis, a fee mentioned in subsection (5) is prescribed as a bailiff’s fee only to the extent the function to which the fee relates is performed by the bailiff outside the bailiff’s normal working hours.
(sec.3-ssec.7) To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection (6) does not affect the amount payable by the person for whom the function is performed.
sec.4 Setting down fee and hearing fee
sec.4 Setting down fee and hearing fee
A setting down fee and hearing fee are payable for a hearing or trial of a proceeding under this section, unless—
the hearing or trial is set down for 1 day or less; or
the hearing relates to an interlocutory application.
Unless a court on application by a party to the proceeding orders otherwise, the fees are payable by—
for a claim for which a request for trial date is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 467 —the plaintiff; or
for an application that is an originating process—the applicant; or
for an appeal to the Court of Appeal—the appellant; or
for an appeal to the District Court for which a certificate of readiness is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 —the appellant.
However, another person may pay the fees without affecting the power of the court to make an order for costs in relation to the fees.
The fees must be paid—
for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (a) or (d) —when the request for trial date or certificate of readiness is filed; or
for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (b) or (c) —by the earlier of the following—
the day that is 10 business days after a registrar sets a date for the hearing or trial of the proceeding or adds the appeal to a list of appeals under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 (4) ;
9.30a.m. on the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding.
If additional hearing or trial dates are set for the proceeding, a hearing fee for the additional hearing or trial dates is payable by the earlier of the following—
the day that is 10 business days after the additional hearing or trial dates are set;
9.30a.m. on the first day set for the additional hearing or trial dates.
(sec.4-ssec.1) A setting down fee and hearing fee are payable for a hearing or trial of a proceeding under this section, unless— the hearing or trial is set down for 1 day or less; or the hearing relates to an interlocutory application.
(sec.4-ssec.2) Unless a court on application by a party to the proceeding orders otherwise, the fees are payable by— for a claim for which a request for trial date is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 467 —the plaintiff; or for an application that is an originating process—the applicant; or for an appeal to the Court of Appeal—the appellant; or for an appeal to the District Court for which a certificate of readiness is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 —the appellant.
(sec.4-ssec.3) However, another person may pay the fees without affecting the power of the court to make an order for costs in relation to the fees.
(sec.4-ssec.4) The fees must be paid— for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (a) or (d) —when the request for trial date or certificate of readiness is filed; or for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (b) or (c) —by the earlier of the following— the day that is 10 business days after a registrar sets a date for the hearing or trial of the proceeding or adds the appeal to a list of appeals under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 (4) ; 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding.
(sec.4-ssec.5) If additional hearing or trial dates are set for the proceeding, a hearing fee for the additional hearing or trial dates is payable by the earlier of the following— the day that is 10 business days after the additional hearing or trial dates are set; 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the additional hearing or trial dates.
(a) the hearing or trial is set down for 1 day or less; or
(b) the hearing relates to an interlocutory application.
(a) for a claim for which a request for trial date is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 467 —the plaintiff; or
(b) for an application that is an originating process—the applicant; or
(c) for an appeal to the Court of Appeal—the appellant; or
(d) for an appeal to the District Court for which a certificate of readiness is filed under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 —the appellant.
(a) for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (a) or (d) —when the request for trial date or certificate of readiness is filed; or
(b) for a proceeding mentioned in subsection (2) (b) or (c) —by the earlier of the following— (i) the day that is 10 business days after a registrar sets a date for the hearing or trial of the proceeding or adds the appeal to a list of appeals under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 (4) ; (ii) 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding.
(i) the day that is 10 business days after a registrar sets a date for the hearing or trial of the proceeding or adds the appeal to a list of appeals under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 (4) ;
(ii) 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding.
(i) the day that is 10 business days after a registrar sets a date for the hearing or trial of the proceeding or adds the appeal to a list of appeals under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 , rule 790 (4) ;
(ii) 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding.
(a) the day that is 10 business days after the additional hearing or trial dates are set;
(b) 9.30a.m. on the first day set for the additional hearing or trial dates.
sec.5 Non-payment of setting down fee and hearing fee
sec.5 Non-payment of setting down fee and hearing fee
If a party to a proceeding fails to pay the setting down fee or a hearing fee for the proceeding under section 4 —
a registrar may list the matter of non-payment for hearing before the court and on hearing the matter the court may make an order or give the directions it considers appropriate about the matter; or
the court may order that a hearing or trial relating to the proceeding is not to take place except with the court’s leave; or
the court may vacate any hearing or trial date previously set for the proceeding.
Subsection (1) does not limit the power of the court to make another order in relation to the proceeding.
(sec.5-ssec.1) If a party to a proceeding fails to pay the setting down fee or a hearing fee for the proceeding under section 4 — a registrar may list the matter of non-payment for hearing before the court and on hearing the matter the court may make an order or give the directions it considers appropriate about the matter; or the court may order that a hearing or trial relating to the proceeding is not to take place except with the court’s leave; or the court may vacate any hearing or trial date previously set for the proceeding.
(sec.5-ssec.2) Subsection (1) does not limit the power of the court to make another order in relation to the proceeding.
(a) a registrar may list the matter of non-payment for hearing before the court and on hearing the matter the court may make an order or give the directions it considers appropriate about the matter; or
(b) the court may order that a hearing or trial relating to the proceeding is not to take place except with the court’s leave; or
(c) the court may vacate any hearing or trial date previously set for the proceeding.
sec.6 Refund of setting down fee and hearing fee
sec.6 Refund of setting down fee and hearing fee
A registrar must refund 75% of the setting down fee and hearing fee paid by a party to a proceeding if—
the party gives the registrar a request for refund of the fees in the approved form, at least 10 business days before the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding, stating the hearing or trial will not happen; and
the hearing or trial of the proceeding does not happen.
(a) the party gives the registrar a request for refund of the fees in the approved form, at least 10 business days before the first day set for the hearing or trial of the proceeding, stating the hearing or trial will not happen; and
(b) the hearing or trial of the proceeding does not happen.
sec.7 General provisions
sec.7 General provisions
A party to a proceeding may apply under section 8 , 9 or 10 for an order that the party pay the reduced fee instead of 1 of the following fees for the proceeding (each a relevant fee )—
a fee mentioned in schedule 1 , item 1 on filing a document starting the proceeding;
for a party other than a corporation—a fee mentioned in schedule 1 , item 2 on filing a document starting the proceeding;
a setting down fee;
a hearing fee.
However, a person may not make an application under section 8 , 9 or 10 —
for a proceeding to which the Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005 , section 10 (2) applies; or
for an application for leave under the Vexatious Proceedings Act 2005 , section 11 , unless and until the leave is granted.
If an order made under section 8 , 9 or 10 states the day by which the reduced fee must be paid, the reduced fee is payable on or before that day.
If an order is made under section 8 , 9 or 10 for a party to a proceeding to pay the reduced fee instead of a fee mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) for the proceeding, a setting down fee and hearing fee are not payable for the proceeding.
Also, if an order is made under section 8 , 9 or 10 for a party to a proceeding to pay the reduced fee instead of the setting down fee for the
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.