Yesterday I rang up the Small Claims Tribunal (actually
called something else now I think, like Civil Claims
Tribunal), and they said that it was a Civil matter, to
go and talk to your local court.  There was no local
court in Hurstville (I've forgotten the exact place my
BIL lives anyway, I think it's a suburb next to Hurstville),
so I rang the head office, and eventually got talking to
someone, who sent me to the Kogarah Local Council, and I
got more joy there, which is summarized as follows (from
my memory):

You can get an appointment (or at certain times just turn
up unannounced) with the Chamber Magistrate.  He will give
you free legal advice.  You have to be careful that you
don't turn out to be in the wrong and get sued yourself.
For a $900 claim, you have to pay a $46 fee, and then you
will get a judgement.  You need to have all the details
required, like the other guy's name and licence number etc.
After you get the judgement, you then pay $31 to get the 
local Sheriff serve notice on the guy personally.  The
other guy will be liable for both the $900 plus your costs
($46+$31).  The sheriff will then either sell assets that
the guy has, or get some of his income.  They are not
allowed to touch social security payments.

The debt will remain on this guy for the next 12 years, if
he ever does manage to get a job.

Personally, I am happy that the guy will be forced to carry
the debt for the next 12 years, even if he only pays $5 per
week.  BFN.  Paul.
@EOT:

--- Mksmsg