What it means
A statement of claim is the document that begins many civil court proceedings. It sets out the facts the claimant relies on, the legal basis for the claim, and the relief sought (such as a money judgment). It is filed with the court and served on the other party (the defendant). The defendant must then respond, usually with a defence, within a set time. If they do not respond in time, the claimant may be able to obtain default judgment. The exact form and rules differ between Australian courts.
How it's used
After negotiations failed, the company's lawyer filed a statement of claim in the District Court seeking payment of the unpaid invoices.