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Civil Law Victoria Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

Updated on May 29, 2015 3 min read 356 views Copy Link

Laura Turner

Published in May 29, 2015 Updated on May 29, 2015 3 min read 356 views

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

VCAT

The purpose of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is to provide a low cost, accessible, efficient tribunal with a focus on dispute resolution. VCAT deals with a variety of matters but does not assist with debt recovery, motor vehicle accident claims or fencing disputes.

VCAT has three divisions: civil, administrative division, and human rights. The civil division determines a range of civil disputes that include consumer matters, domestic building works, legal services, owners’ corporation matters, residential and retail tenancies disputes, sale and ownership or real property, and the use or flow of water between properties. The administrative division determines applications from people seeking review of government decisions such as local council land valuations and planning permits, state taxation, business licences and professional registrations, and worksafe assessments. The human rights division assists with matters that relate to guardianship, discrimination, racial and religious vilification, health and information privacy, decisions made by the Mental Health Review Board, and matters under the Disability Act 2006. Click here to see a list of FAQ’s relating to each type of matter that VCAT can determine.

How do I commence proceedings in VCAT?

Once you have filed an application the tribunal will review your case and assist to settle the dispute through mediation or compulsory conferencing. If your matter proceeds to a hearing this will give you the opportunity to ask questions of witnesses, give evidence, and make submissions to support your case. A member of VCAT presiding over your matter will then deliver a decision either on the spot at the hearing, or for more complex matters shortly after in writing. All appeals of a VCAT decision can be made in the Supreme Court of Victoria but only on questions of law.

Can I have a solicitor appear with me?

At the directions hearing each party will be asked as to whether they intend to be legally represented. Some parties such as a child, council, a government department, a credit provider or an insurer, have an automatic right (see section 62 of the VCAT Act 1998), while others will need express permission from the member conducting the hearing.

How do I enforce a VCAT decision?

Enforcement of a monetary order made in VCAT needs to be made either through the Magistrates, County or Supreme Court depending on the jurisdiction. Enforcement of a non-monetary order needs to be enforced through the Supreme Court. Enforcing either type of Order is achieved by filing a copy of the order at the relevant court along with an Affidavit outlining the non-compliance. The further steps that need to be taken to enforce an Order, will depend on the individual Court rules.

Published in

May 29, 2015

Laura Turner

Senior Associate

Laura Turner holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland. Laura began her legal experience through volunteering with the Student Legal Service offering free advice to students, and through a clerkship in the conveyancing team of a law firm in Hobart. She also volunteered at a Prisoner Legal Service, assisting inmates to obtain parole. Laura has a strong focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, although looks to broaden her knowledge into migration and civil law.
Home Civil Law Victoria Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)

Laura Turner

Senior Associate

Laura Turner holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland. Laura began her legal experience through volunteering with the Student Legal Service offering free advice to students, and through a clerkship in the conveyancing team of a law firm in Hobart. She also volunteered at a Prisoner Legal Service, assisting inmates to obtain parole. Laura has a strong focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, although looks to broaden her knowledge into migration and civil law.

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