Firstly I understand NCAT awards costs in exceptional circumstances.
In all other courts, costs are awarded without exception on application of the winning party. So firstly you will need to establish to NCAT thst you have exceptional circumstances.
The awarding of costs is governed by some common law principle. I’m not sure of the act or guideline that regulates this.
Your requests for costs can include any reasonable and agreed conditions.
Finally costs usually cover costs of court costs. From my knowledge, expenses for mediation are excluded as it’s usually expected parties engage in mediation before going to court. It’s when you start the court process that costs rack up.
And costs does not include every cent you spent. And if you are self represented, you can’t recover the cost of your time.