VCAT

Question 1

The purpose of VCAT

Answer 1

• To provide victorians with a low cost, accessible, efficient, independent tribunal delivering high quality dispute resolution processes
• VCAT has various lists, to deal with different areas of law.
• If the matter does not settle, there will be a formal decision in which a member of VCAT makes a binding decision.
• VCAT is a Court, not a tribunal

Question 2

WHAT type of resolution does VCAT aim to provide?

Answer 2

• Cost effective
• informal
• fair
• consistent
• accessible
• timely
• impartial

Question 3

What types of dispute resolution does VCAT use?

Answer 3

VCAT uses 3 main types of dispute resolution:

• Mediation
• Compulsory conferences
• Final hearing before a member

Question 4

VCAT’s use of mediation?

Answer 4

VCAT uses mediation prior to a final hearing. It is binding and enforceable, and parties who reach an agreement will normally enter a deed of settlement.
VCAT offers a short mediation hearing for disputes in relation to goods and services, under the value of 3k. If no agreement is met, it’s straight to a final hearing by a different VCAT member.

Question 5

What is the use of compulsory conferences in regards to VCAT?

Answer 5

There are confidential pre-hearing meetings between the parties in dispute, where in the presence of a VCAT member, the parties discuss the issues and ways to resolve it, usually through conciliation.