Debt collectors in Queensland can contact a debtor to request payment, negotiate arrangements, and start legal proceedings on your behalf once instructed. They must follow ACCC contact rules (up to 3 calls a week, 10 a month, no calls on public holidays) and Queensland Office of Fair Trading agent obligations, including a trust account and single-party representation.
Debt Collectors Brisbane and Queensland
We recover unpaid business debts across Brisbane and Queensland, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns and Toowoomba. Eligible commercial collections are generally no collection, no fee, excluding legal services by E C Legal.
For potential legal review or court action, eCollect can refer matters to E C Legal. Start with a free Debt Terminator appraisal to assess recovery options. Additional legal costs may apply.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
How we recover an unpaid debt in Queensland
Whether recovering a $4,000 invoice in Brisbane or a $180,000 progress claim on the Sunshine Coast, the process usually follows these steps:
First contact within 24 hours by letter, email and phone, following ACCC contact frequency rules.
Skip tracing and field calls to locate debtors who have moved or stopped responding.
Letter of demand outlining the debt and payment deadline.
Referral to E C Legal for potential legal review or action, subject to applicable costs and terms.
For the full process, see how debt recovery works.
Which Queensland court hears your debt claim
Where your matter is heard depends on how much you're owed. Queensland has three main options for a business debt, and picking the right one saves time and filing fees.
Under the Limitation of Actions Act 1974 (Qld), simple contract debts generally have a six-year limitation period, and judgments may be enforced for up to twelve years.
For undisputed company debts of $4,000 or more, a statutory demand requiring payment within 21 days may be an alternative to court proceedings.
What debt recovery costs in Queensland
For most eligible commercial collections, eCollect charges a commission on recovered funds, with no collection commission if no recovery is made. This excludes legal advice and action.
If legal review or court action is needed, eCollect can refer the matter to its associated legal firm, E C Legal. Established processes and trained staff help streamline legal reviews and may reduce costs compared with engaging an unrelated law firm. Legal referrals, assessments and action may incur additional fees.
Queensland Office of Fair Trading rules require client appointment, prohibit representing both sides, require trust accounts for client funds and prevent collection agents from recovering their costs from debtors. See our legal and compliance framework.
Where we recover debts across Queensland
Our Brisbane office is at Level 38, 71 Eagle Street, and we place files right across the state:
Brisbane CBD and greater metro
Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton
Toowoomba and the Darling Downs
Interstate debtors where the agreement was initiated in Queensland, which QCAT can still hear
If the debtor is located in NSW or Victoria, we route the matter through the Sydney or Melbourne teams so it's handled in the right jurisdiction.
Industries we work with across Queensland
Queensland construction recorded 563 first-time insolvencies in FY2025-26, more than any other industry in the state. The figure reflects the level of payment risk across the construction supply chain and the volume of construction matters referred for recovery.
Construction and subcontracting. Progress claims, retentions and back charges. See our construction and subcontractor debt recovery page.
Manufacturing and wholesale. Trade account debtors and disputed deliveries.
Hospitality. Supplier accounts and equipment finance defaults.
Medical and dental. Practice-to-practice and corporate patient accounts.
Professional services. Unpaid fees where the scope is documented.
Why Queensland businesses choose eCollect
We’ve been trading under the same ABN since 2000, with more than 10,000 clients and over $120 million recovered. We’re ISO 9001 certified and an AFCA member. Where a matter requires legal review or action, eCollect can refer it to eCollect’s associated legal firm, E C Legal.
Before placing a debt, you can review our team to see who handles client matters and read feedback from Queensland clients on the testimonials page.
Frequently asked questions
Six years from the date the debt fell due for a simple contract debt, under the Limitation of Actions Act 1974 (Qld). After that the debt is generally statute-barred. A judgment gives you a further twelve years to enforce.
Not strictly, but courts and tribunals expect you to have made a clear written demand first. Our standard process includes one. You can see the shape of a compliant demand in this [letter of demand template.](https://www.ecollect.com.au/blog/letter-of-demand-template-australia)
QCAT handles minor debt disputes up to $25,000 where the amount is fixed and agreed, and the process is quicker and less formal. The Magistrates Court hears civil claims up to $150,000, including disputed amounts and more complex matters.
The ACL applies mainly to consumer transactions, but the ACCC and ASIC debt collection guidelines apply to how collectors deal with any debtor, business or consumer. That covers contact frequency, conduct and misrepresentation.
First contact goes out within 24 hours of placement.
Get a free appraisal on your Queensland debt
Submit your debt details for a preliminary assessment of recovery options through the free Debt Terminator appraisal. Legal advice or action by E C Legal may involve additional costs. Alternatively, contact our Brisbane team to discuss the process.
Trusted in Australia, New Zealand & Beyond
Melbourne
03 8611 2600
Level 9, 461 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Sydney
02 9191 9699
Level 6, 115 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000
Brisbane
07 3123 4031
Level 38/71 Eagle Street Brisbane QLD 4000
Auckland
+64 9 951 8000
Spaces, level 7, 50 Albert St, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010 NEW ZEALAND
UK - eRecoveries
erecoveries.co.ukOur eRecoveries service based in UK applying high-end technology to cover the full receivables management process for you
Your Partners in Recovery
eCollect
Our core debt recovery and collection service, operating across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland.
E C Legal
Specialist legal support for debt and credit matters, based in Australia.
eclegal.com.aueReceivables
Designed for Australian receivables management and credit operations, uniting intelligent software with real operational expertise.
ereceivables.com.aueRecoveries
Expanding our debt recovery expertise across the United Kingdom market, supported by advanced systems, industry trained specialists and a proven no-recovery, no-charge model.
erecoveries.co.uk