NTCAT aims at finalising all matters as soon as possible.
From time to time, however, it may be necessary to have a dispute decided more quickly than usual.
In such a case, you must tell NTCAT about your need for an emergency hearing.
If the urgent circumstances exist at the time you commence a proceeding, this should be indicated in the relevant space on the Form 1 Initiating Application. If the urgent circumstances occur after you have commenced a proceeding, you should complete a Form 3 Ordinary Application. In either case, you will need to provide an explanation as to why you say an emergency hearing is necessary.
NTCAT will consider your request on a case-by-case basis taking into account considerations such as:
- whether there is a threat of damage or injury to person or property;
- health and safety issues;
- whether parties will suffer severe personal or financial hardship if a matter is not dealt with urgently; and/or
- whether an emergency hearing will disadvantage or cause prejudice to any party.
An emergency hearing will only be conducted in circumstances of true urgency.
If NTCAT determines that such circumstances exist, an emergency hearing will usually be listed within one to seven working days.