How VCAT resolves cases
VCAT Legislation
How to become a Tribunal Member


VCAT was created on 1 July 1998 and amalgamated 15 boards and tribunals to offer a one stop shop dealing with a range of disputes, providing Victorians with access to a civil justice system which is modern, accessible, efficient and cost effective.

VCAT deals with disputes about:

• purchase and supply of goods
• credit
• discrimination
• domestic building works
• guardianship and administration
• disability services
• legal profession services
• owners corporations (body corporate)
• residential tenancies
• retail tenancies.

VCAT also deals with disputes between people and government (State/Local) in areas such as:

• land valuation
• licences to carry on businesses (including travel agents, motor car traders and others)
• planning and environment
• State taxation
• many other government decisions (such as Transport Accident Commission decisions and freedom of information issues).

How VCAT resolves cases

VCAT has a number of "lists" (sections) which specialise in particular types of cases.

The VCAT Act governs the general operation of each list; however, the functions of VCAT under enabling Acts are allocated to lists. For this reason, the process often varies between lists.

Variations in how we resolve cases may occur due to the nature of the cases brought to each list. Some cases may take 15 minutes to resolve, while others may take a day. In exceptional circumstances, it may take several weeks to hear a case due to the complex nature of the issues involved.

The process begins when a user of VCAT's services files an application with the relevant list. To help settle a dispute, a mediation, directions hearing or compulsory conference may take place depending on the case; however, many cases proceed to a hearing. Hearings give parties the opportunity to call or give evidence, ask questions of witnesses and make submissions. At the end of the hearing, a member of VCAT either gives a decision on-the-spot, or writes a decision after the hearing and delivers the decision as soon as possible.

The people involved in a dispute may at any time agree to resolve their differences without the need for a mediation, directions hearing, compulsory conference or a hearing. If the case does proceed to a hearing, there is still an opportunity to settle prior to delivery of the decision.

Decisions of VCAT can be appealed to the Supreme Court of Victoria but only on questions of law.


VCAT Legislation

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Fees) Regulations 2001
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Rules 2008
Tribunals and Licensing Authorities (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998

To access this legislation please visit the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website at http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au and click on "Victorian Law Today".

A comprehensive list of legislation allowing application and referrals to VCAT is available on the Legislation-Practice Notes page on this website.


How to become a Tribunal Member

Interested in becoming a VCAT tribunal member?
Information about the application process and application forms are available from the Tribunal Appointments page on the Courts and Tribunals website (http://www.courts.vic.gov.au).