VCAT

Commencing Proceedings at VCAT Procedures for commencing an application varies from list to list. Each list has its own application form prescribed by the rules all of which are available from VCAT or the VCAT website. An application fee is payable on commencement of most applications. Natural Justice and Consumer Rights at VCAT: As a general rule representatives are not required to stand up in a Tribunal room. Members are called madam or sir, or senior member or Deputy President, … Continued

VCAT: General Overview: The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) was created by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic) (the VCAT Act). VCAT was modelled on the Federal Administrative Appeals Tribunal; but is now bigger than that tribunal and is being examined as a model for other states. A ‘one-stop shop’ for the handling a range of disputes VCAT is the merger of 15 boards and tribunals; most notably the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Small Claims Tribunal, Domestic … Continued

Direct Briefing: A barrister in Victoria is bound by the Victorian Bar Practice Rules to accept an engagement on behalf of a client usually only through the client’s lawyer (Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2014). In some circumstances a barrister may accept instructions from a client or approved professional organisation directly (without also needing to engage an instructing solicitor), in accordance with the Direct Access Rules in Part VI of the Practice Rules. A barrister shall not commence any … Continued