Veterinary Practice Act 1997

This page provides general information and shouldn't be considered as legal advice. Seek legal advice if you're unsure about your legal rights. Be aware that the law can change.

VCAT can review certain decisions made by the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board or by a panel appointed by the Board under the Veterinary Practice Act 1997.

Cases we can hear

You may be able to apply to VCAT for a review if you're a person affected by a decision to:

• refuse registration, refuse to endorse registration or refuse to renew registration
• impose, vary or revoke a condition, limitation, or restriction on a person’s veterinary practitioner registration
• refuse to impose, vary or revoke a condition, limitation or restriction on a person’s veterinary practitioner registration
• cancel a registration
• suspend a registration if, within a reasonable time of the decision to suspend, the Board hasn't instituted an investigation into the suspended person's professional conduct or ability to practise.

You may be able to apply to VCAT for a review if you're affected by a finding or determination made at a panel's formal hearing under Part 3 of the Act. But you must ask VCAT for permission to apply for a review if no final determination has been made at the hearing.

Legislation that gives VCAT the power to hear these applications

Section 55 of the Veterinary Practice Act 1997

If you have a decision document, use it to help you complete the VCAT application form and attach a copy of the document to your application.

Time limits

You must make your application within 28 days from the time:

• the decision was made, or
• if you have requested a statement of reasons under the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act, the statement of reasons is given to you or you are informed that a statement of reasons will not be given.

You may be able to apply for an extension to this time limit.

What can VCAT order?

Unless the relevant Act of Parliament gives us different powers, VCAT can:

• affirm the original decision, in which case the original decision will stand
• vary the decision
• set aside the decision and substitute our own decision
• set aside the decision and remit (send back) the matter for reconsideration by the decision maker giving directions or recommendations
• invite the decision-maker to reconsider their decision at any time during the case.

Apply

We can explain the application process and what the form is asking you for. Contact us to get support.

We can't give you legal advice. This means we can't tell you what to write in your application or recommend how to get the outcome you want.

Seek legal help if you're unsure about your options or need advice about your claim.

Do I need a lawyer or professional representative?

You don't need to have legal or other professional representation to appear at VCAT. If you want to be represented by a lawyer or a professional advocate, usually you must ask for VCAT's permission. Be aware that the regulatory body in most cases uses legal representation.

Find legal services that may be able to assist you.

Access and privacy

VCAT hearings and files are usually public.

VCAT has limited authority to restrict who can access cases and files but, in certain circumstances, you can apply for confidentiality.