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ARTICLE · 23 OCTOBER 2026

Interest On Unpaid Debts In Queensland

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Queensland's statutory interest rates for unpaid debts vary by judgment type and period, with default judgment rates currently at 8.35% per annum and judgment-debt rates at 10.35% per annum for July-December 2026.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Wayne Davis
Wayne Davis
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Interest on Unpaid Debts in Queensland depends on the contract, the stage of recovery and the applicable court rules. An enforceable contractual clause may entitle a creditor to interest at the agreed rate. Without that entitlement, section 58 of the Civil Proceedings Act 2011 allows a court to award pre-judgment interest at an appropriate rate. Contractual and statutory interest cannot simply be added together on the same amount for the same period.

For July–December 2026, Queensland’s published statutory default-judgment rate is 8.35% per annum and the judgment-debt rate is 10.35% per annum. A judge’s pre-judgment award remains discretionary. Calculations must account for historical rate changes, the correct starting date and payments received.

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