Apply for an Internal Review of a release application decision

What is an Internal Review?

If your application for release of a seized vehicle (prohibited bike) was refused, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed by a different police officer.

You must apply within 28 days after the day you received the decision to refuse your release application.

The officer conducting the review will consider: 

• your original application
• any new information or documents you provide.

They will then decide whether to: 

• Confirm the original decision, or
• Change the decision and approve the release of the vehicle (prohibited bike).

Who can apply?

You can apply for an internal review if you:

• are the person who submitted the original application for release of a seized vehicle (prohibited bike), and
• are the owner of the seized vehicle.

What do I need to apply?

To apply for an internal review, you’ll need:

• An Information Notice. This explains why your original application for release was refused 
• Any new supporting documents (optional), for example: 
  • receipts or invoices
  • evidence of device compliance
  • photographs
  • any new information that wasn’t included in your original application.

How do I apply?

1. Gather the documents you need to make an Internal Review, including a copy of your Information Notice and any new supporting documents
2. Download the Internal Review application form (PDF) and complete all the required sections and fields
3. Print your application, including your Information Notice and any new supporting documentation
4. Lodge your application along with a copy of the Information Notice and new supporting documents in-person at your local police station

Don’t have an Information Notice?

If it’s been more than 29 days since you applied for the release of your vehicle and you have not been notified of the decision or been given an Information Notice (refusal to release), contact your local police station. You’ll need to provide your Occurrence Number (QP number), which can be found listed at the top of your seizure notice or on your release application.

What happens after you apply?

The reviewing officer will make a decision within 20 days after receiving your application, unless more time is needed. If more time is needed, the reviewing officer will let you know.

Once the reviewing officer has made their decision, they’ll then send you one of the following:

• Notice of Release – if your application has been successful, and the original decision has been changed. This notice will explain where, when and how you can collect your released vehicle. 
• QCAT Information Notice – if your application has not been successful, and the original decision to refuse the release of your vehicle has been confirmed. This notice will explain your review rights.

Internal Review FAQs

Can I apply for an Internal Review after 28 days?

No. However, you can apply for an extra 28 days to give you more time to collect the information you need.

You must apply for an extension within the 28-day internal review application period. Extensions will be granted in limited circumstances.

To apply for an extension:

1. Download the extension form 
2. Complete all required fields for the Internal Review (28-day extension)
3. Attach any supporting documents
4. Print and submit at your local police station.

Please note: We recommend completing this form on a desktop or laptop. People using mobiles or iOS devices may have trouble uploading attachments using the “click here to add attachments” feature. If this happens, please print the extension form and any supporting documents separately. 

How long will the review take?

The reviewing officer has 20 days after receiving your internal review application to make a decision.

If the reviewing officer needs more time to make their decision, they’ll let you know.

What happens if I haven’t received a decision after 21 days?

We will usually let you know the outcome of your Internal Review within 21 days.

If you do not receive a Notice of Release or a QCAT Information Notice within this time (unless we have contacted you to extend the review period), it means the decision not to release your seized vehicle (prohibited bike) has been upheld.

What happens if my application is refused again?

If an Internal review confirms the original decision, the seized vehicle is forfeited to the state for disposal.

If you still don’t agree with the decision, you can apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) to have the decision independently reviewed.

If you make a QCAT application, you must send a copy of your QCAT application (Form 23 – Application to review a decision) to emobility@police.qld.gov.au within 7 days of lodging your application.

For more information about applying to QCAT, visit the QCAT website.