VCAT has advised that applications for damage, danger, threats and intimidation, and successive breaches, will now go to an initial Directions Hearing effective from 17 March 2023. The directions hearings have been introduced to decrease delays and ensure that formal hearings occur in a timely manner. No witnesses are required to attend the directions hearing; the VCAT member will briefly assess the information provided and set a time and date for a formal hearing (usually 1-2 weeks later).
Hearing notices will be accompanied by an information sheet that outlines the process. We encourage you to read your hearing notices carefully. Please note that directions hearings will not apply to compliance hearings.
Service Improvements
Improvements to current VCAT online systems are underway, including a review of their current CMS and a move away from paper forms. The Civil Claims List will be the first to trial this new system, followed by the Residential Tenancies List later in the year. The VCAT hub will move to a new portal as part of this change. Consultation with stakeholders will occur before this change is implemented and we will provide updates on this process as it occurs.
Tell us about your VCAT experiences
CHIA Vic is a member of the VCAT users group and provides regular feedback from the community housing sector as part of this forum. We invite our members to tell us about their VCAT experiences, including feedback on the implementation of directions hearings.
Please contact Lisa May on 0400 947 807 or email lisa.may@chiavic.com.au