Archived news

Find VCAT news from previous years.

Notice of decision to Grant a Permit form no longer published as a PDF

A new online version of the Notice of Decision to Grant a Permit form (NOD) has been available on VCAT’s website since 12 October 2020.

State Budget funding to continue VCAT’s Digital Service Transformation

VCAT welcomes the Victorian Government’s support to continue VCAT’s digital transformation.

Easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions

Joint jurisdictional statement on the easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Anne Ferguson.

VCAT Planning and Environment Division COVID-19 Digital Response Program

On 28 April 2020 VCAT received funding to implement digital solutions in the Planning and Environment Division (PED).

Planning and Environment Division reforms

Initiatives implemented by VCAT as part of its Planning and Environment Division reforms.

Fees effective 1 July 2020

Unlike in previous years, fees for VCAT services will not increase on 1 July 2020.

Joint statement - Heads of Jurisdiction of Victoria’s courts and tribunal

We are each committed to making sure that our courts and tribunal are safe, healthy and respectful workplaces.

Commercial tenancy relief scheme

On 1 May 2020 the Victorian Parliament passed the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) (Commercial Leases and Licences) Regulations 2020.

Law Week 2020

Law Week is an annual festival making learning about the legal profession easy. This year, VCAT's contributions have gone digital.

Revamped Short Cases List

The Planning and Environment Division has launched the revamped Short Cases List.

VCAT coronavirus (COVID-19) division response

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, VCAT paused all face-to-face hearings, including those in the Planning and Environment Division. 

Changes to the law about renting a home during COVID-19

Renting laws were amended by the COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020. The amendments have introduced significant changes to the way that disputes are dealt with.

VCAT Planning and Environment is going digital!

VCAT is digitising processes in its Planning and Environment lists in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic thanks to a $5.2 million funding boost from the Victorian Government.

New laws about pets in rental properties

New laws about pets in Victorian rental properties start on Monday 2 March 2020.

New laws for guardians and administrators

New laws came into effect today, changing how VCAT considers and appoints a guardian or administrator.

Court decision affects the kinds of cases VCAT can decide

People coming to VCAT may be asked for information about where they live following a recent decision by the Victorian Court of Appeal.

New Oakleigh venue officially open

Victorian Attorney-General Jill Hennessy has officially opened VCAT’s new venue in Oakleigh. 

Results for VCAT’s new consumer application

Early data shows our digital application for consumer disputes is making it faster and easier to come to VCAT.

New guardianship and administration laws start soon

On 1 March 2020, new laws change how VCAT appoints guardians and administrators for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

Relocating guardianship and human rights services

All VCAT hearings, counter services and information sessions scheduled for William Cooper Justice Centre in Melbourne have temporarily moved to 55 King St in the central business district.

Bushfire crisis and legal requirements

Some parties may not be able to meet legal requirements in a VCAT case due to the bushfire crisis.

New VCAT venue for Oakleigh

A new VCAT venue is set to open in Oakleigh in late February 2020.

Public consultation on Residential Tenancies Regulations

As part of reforms to Victorian renting laws, proposed new Regulations are available for comment from today until Wednesday 18 December 2019.

VCAT Annual Report 2018-19 now available

The VCAT Annual Report 2018-19 has tabled in the Victorian Parliament and is now available.

Fast track service for Gippsland and Grampians

A fast-track service for resolving consumer disputes is expanding to Gippsland and the Grampians later this month.