What to wear (and what to bring) to your NCAT hearing
Good news first: there is no formal NCAT dress code, and no robes, wigs or gowns — NCAT is a tribunal, not a court, and it's designed to be approachable for people without a lawyer. You won't be marked down for what you wear. You'll be judged on your evidence.
That said, turning up neat, on time, and with your documents in order tells the Member you've taken the matter seriously. This page covers what to wear, what to bring, when to arrive, and the practical bits — parking, support people, phone and video hearings, and what to do if you're running late.
Information, not legal advice. Figures current as at 1 July 2025.
What this dispute is
NCAT hearings are deliberately informal compared with a courtroom. Most matters are heard by a single Tribunal Member in a small hearing room or by phone or video. There's no jury, no public gallery to play to, and no dress requirement in the legislation or the procedural directions.
The reason to dress neatly isn't a rule — it's signalling. A Member spends the day moving through a busy list. Someone who looks organised, calm and respectful is easier to take seriously than someone who looks like they've rolled in off the street. You don't need a suit. You need to look like you've made an effort.
The bigger half of "hearing-day readiness" is what you carry in, not what you wear. A tidy, tabbed bundle with enough copies for everyone in the room does more for you than any outfit. The sections below split it into two simple checklists: how to dress, and what to pack.
Time limits that bite
These deadlines are strict. The Tribunal can extend in some cases, but extensions are not automatic — they're weighed on length, reason, prospects and prejudice.
- 15 min earlyAim to arrive at the registry at least 15 minutes before your listed timeNCAT — on the hearing day
- Allow extraSydney CBD parking and security queues can run long — leave a bufferPractical
- Check listing timeYour Notice of Listing shows the time and venue (or phone/video details)Notice of Listing
- Phone on at the startFor a phone hearing, be reachable and free for the whole listed window — the call can come latePractical
- If you're latePhone the registry on the number on your notice the moment you know — don't just not show upPractical
The process, step by step
- 1
What to wear
Aim for smart-casual and neat. Clean shirt, jumper or blouse; trousers, a skirt or neat jeans; closed shoes. A jacket is welcome but not required. Think "job interview at a relaxed office", not "wedding" and not "weekend".
Avoid anything with slogans, offensive prints, gym wear, singlets, or thongs (flip-flops). Hats off inside the hearing room. Cover up obvious damp or work clothes if you can. None of this is a rule — it's about not giving the Member a reason to form an impression before you've said a word.
- 2
What to bring
The hearing-day kit:
- Photo ID (licence, passport or similar).
- Three copies of your evidence bundle — one for you, one for the Member, one for the other side. A spare is smart.
- Your application and any orders or directions NCAT has already sent you.
- A pen and a notepad — to note what the Member and the other side say.
- Your phone (on silent), with any photos or emails you might need to show, and the registry number saved.
- Water and, if it's a long list, a snack for the wait.
- Witness details — names and contact numbers, and confirmation any witness is attending in person or by phone.
- 3
Getting there — parking and security
Check the venue on your Notice of Listing — NCAT sits at registries and hearing venues across NSW, not just one Sydney building. CBD venues have little or no on-site parking; assume you'll use public transport or a paid car park and budget time for it.
Some venues have airport-style security screening at the entrance. Don't bring anything that could be treated as a weapon (pocket knives, scissors). Allow a few minutes to clear the queue — that's part of why you aim to arrive 15 minutes early.
- 4
Can a support person or partner come?
Generally yes. A friend, family member or partner can come along to support you and sit with you in the hearing room. Having someone there to take notes and steady your nerves is genuinely useful.
But a support person is not your representative. They can't speak for you, cross-examine, or argue your case unless the Tribunal gives leave. If you want someone to actually represent you (an agent, advocate or lawyer), that usually needs the Tribunal's permission — see do I need a lawyer at NCAT.
- 5
Phone and video hearings, childcare and running late
Many NCAT matters are heard by phone or video rather than in person — your Notice of Listing will say which, and how to join. For a phone hearing, be somewhere quiet with signal, free for the whole listed window, and have your bundle in front of you. For video, test the link beforehand and dress as you would in person from the waist up.
There's no childcare at NCAT venues — arrange care if you can, as hearings aren't a good place for young children and you'll want to concentrate. And if you're running late, call the registry on the number on your notice straight away. NCAT can sometimes hold your matter or list it later; what you must not do is simply fail to appear, because the Tribunal can decide the case in your absence.
Evidence that actually works
Cases are lost on missing documents more than on weak arguments. Get these in order before you file.
Photo ID
Driver licence, passport or similar — to confirm who you are at the registry.
Three copies of your evidence bundle (plus a spare)
One for you, one for the Member, one for the other side. Tabbed and paginated so you can find any document in seconds.
Your application and any NCAT directions
The form you lodged, the Notice of Listing, and any orders or directions NCAT has already made.
Pen and notepad
To note what the other side and the Member say — useful when it's your turn to respond.
Your phone (on silent) and a charger
For originals of photos or emails, and to reach the registry. Switch it to silent before you go in.
Witness names and contact details
Confirm in advance whether each witness is attending in person or by phone, and have their numbers handy.
Water and a snack for the wait
Lists can run long. Don't let hunger or thirst rattle you before your matter is called.
Common reasons people lose
Treating it like it doesn't matter
Turning up in gym gear, late, with no copies and nothing organised tells the Member you didn't prepare. It won't lose the case on its own, but it starts you on the back foot.
Only bringing one copy of your documents
The Member and the other side each need a copy. If you can't hand one up, the document may not get properly considered. Bring three of each — plus a spare.
Assuming your support person can argue for you
A support person can sit with you but can't speak for you without leave. If you need representation, sort permission out before the day, not at the door.
Arriving with no time buffer
Security queues and CBD parking eat time. Arriving flustered at the listed minute — or late — is avoidable. Aim for 15 minutes early.
Not appearing at all
If you don't show and don't call, NCAT can hear the matter and decide it in your absence. If you're running late or unwell, phone the registry immediately.
Phone hearing in a noisy, patchy-signal spot
For a phone or video hearing, a quiet room with good reception and your bundle in front of you matters as much as any outfit would in person.
Orders NCAT can make
This is the kind of order you can ask for — not a guarantee you'll get it. Frame your application around the order you actually want.
There's no order about your clothes
NCAT makes orders about your dispute, not your appearance. This section is a reminder: the win comes from your evidence and how clearly you put it — dressing neatly just clears the path.
Adjournment if you're genuinely caught out
If something goes wrong on the day — transport, illness, a missing witness — you can ask the Member to adjourn (postpone). Call the registry early and explain; it's not guaranteed, but it's better than a no-show.
Free help
- NCAT — on the hearing day
Official guidance on what happens at the hearing and how to address the Member.
- NCAT — prepare for your hearing
Checklist of what to do and bring before the day.
- NCAT — hearing preparation checklist
A printable list to work through before you go.
- NCAT — hearings FAQs
Common questions about venues, phone hearings and support people.
- LawAccess NSW — 1300 888 529
Free legal info line, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
Questions self-reps ask
Is there a dress code at NCAT?
No. There is no formal dress code, and no robes or wigs — NCAT is a tribunal, not a court. Smart-casual and neat is all that's expected: a clean shirt or blouse, neat trousers, a skirt or tidy jeans, and closed shoes.
You won't be marked down on what you wear. Looking organised and respectful simply helps the Member take you seriously — the case turns on your evidence.
Do I need to wear a suit?
No. A suit is fine but not required. Think job interview at a relaxed office — neat and clean.
Avoid gym wear, singlets, thongs (flip-flops), hats inside the room, and clothing with slogans or offensive prints.
How many copies of my documents should I bring?
At least three copies of each document: one for you, one for the Member, one for the other side — and a spare is sensible.
Tab and paginate the bundle so you can turn to any page the instant the Member asks. See our evidence bundle guide for how to build it.
Can my partner or a friend come with me?
Generally yes. A friend, family member or partner can come to support you and sit with you. Having someone to take notes and steady your nerves is genuinely useful.
But they can't speak for you or argue your case unless the Tribunal gives leave. If you want actual representation, that usually needs permission — see do I need a lawyer at NCAT.
What if my hearing is by phone or video?
Many matters are heard by phone or video. Your Notice of Listing says which, and how to join.
For a phone hearing, be somewhere quiet with good signal, free for the whole listed window (the call can come late), with your bundle in front of you. For video, test the link beforehand and dress neatly from the waist up.
What happens if I'm running late?
Phone the registry on the number on your Notice of Listing as soon as you know. NCAT can sometimes hold your matter or list it later in the day.
What you must not do is simply not show up. If you don't appear and don't call, the Tribunal can hear the matter and decide it in your absence.
Is there parking or childcare at the venue?
Don't count on either. CBD venues have little or no on-site parking — allow time for public transport or a paid car park, and a few minutes for security screening at the entrance.
There's no childcare at NCAT venues. Arrange care if you can — hearings aren't a good place for young children, and you'll want to concentrate.
Related guides
- What to expect at an NCAT hearingThe run of the day, from check-in to the Member's decision.
- What to say to an NCAT MemberHow to address the Member and structure what you say.
- NCAT evidence bundle guideBuild the tabbed, paginated bundle you'll bring in three copies.
- Do I need a lawyer at NCAT?When you can represent yourself and when leave is needed.
Walk in prepared, not just dressed
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NCAT Tracker is not a law firm. This page is information, not legal advice. Figures, fees and statutory periods cited here are current as at 1 July 2025 and are CPI-indexed or amended from time to time — verify on ncat.nsw.gov.au and legislation.nsw.gov.au before you lodge.