The tribunal was created to take over the functions of the Commercial Tribunal of New South Wales, the Consumer Claims Tribunal of New South Wales, the Building Disputes Tribunal of New South Wales, and the Motor Vehicle Repairs Disputes Committee of New South Wales.
The key reform to the former tribunals was to increase efficiency and effectiveness through a common membership structure of one tribunal, the elimination of duplicated registry services, and an improved capacity to co-ordinate proceedings and the potential to better utilise resources.