Who to contact for Commercial Law & Business Disputes in QLD?

Running a business, resolving a commercial dispute, or recovering unpaid debts involves interacting with a wide array of state and federal regulators. Below is a directory of the most important contacts for commercial matters for Gold Coast businesses.

1. Bell & Senior Lawyers

If you are incorporating a company, drafting shareholder agreements, buying or selling a business, or facing a dispute with a supplier, you need highly experienced commercial advice.

• Phone: (07) 5532 8777
• What we do: Strategic corporate advisory, contract drafting and review, partnership dispute resolution, rigorous debt recovery, and complex commercial litigation in the District and Supreme Courts.
• Location: Gold Coast, Queensland

2. Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)

ASIC is Australia’s corporate, markets, and financial services regulator.

• Phone: 1300 300 630
• Website: asic.gov.au
• When to call: To register a completely new business name or company, update director details, report corporate misconduct or insolvency, or search the national registers for information on a company you plan to do business with.

3. Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)

QCAT provides an accessible forum for resolving minor civil and commercial disputes without the massive costs of the formal court system.

• Phone: 1300 753 228
• Website: qcat.qld.gov.au
• When to call: If you are chasing an unpaid invoice or dealing with a contractual dispute under $25,000, QCAT is the venue for “minor civil disputes.” Be aware that lawyers are generally not permitted to represent you in QCAT debt matters without tribunal permission, but we can draft the paperwork and advise you on strategy behind the scenes.
• Complete Guide: See our QCAT Litigant’s Handbook for full details on applying, wait times, limits, and the process.

4. Office of Fair Trading (Queensland)

The OFT protects consumer rights and regulates specific industries.

• Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
• Website: qld.gov.au/law/fair-trading
• When to call: If you need to apply for an industry-specific licence (like a real estate agent or security provider licence), or if your business needs advice on interpreting the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) regarding refunds, warranties, or deceptive conduct.

5. Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

The principal revenue collection agency of the Australian Government.

• Phone: 13 28 66 (Business inquiries)
• Website: ato.gov.au/business
• When to call: For information regarding your ABN, GST registration, PAYG withholding for employees, and corporate tax obligations.

Need to protect your business or recover a severe commercial debt? Let our experienced commercial litigation team handle it strategically. Contact Bell & Senior Lawyers today .

Read our Complete Startup Legal Guide for Queensland