VCAT Ordinary Member

• Exciting opportunity to support the Victorian community through the delivery of fair, efficient and affordable justice
• Apply your strong practical legal skills and sound judgment in dispute resolution
• Unique opportunity to join the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and showcase your commitment to public service

About Us

Court Services Victoria provides corporate services and facilities to support the performance of the judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative functions of Victoria's courts and tribunal, Judicial College and Judicial Commission.

Collectively, Victoria's Supreme, County, Magistrates', Children's, and Coroners courts, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), the Judicial College of Victoria, the Judicial Commission of Victoria, and Court Services Victoria (CSV) are referred to as the ‘Courts Group'.

Our people enable the Courts Group to deliver on each jurisdiction's own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.

VCAT

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is a tribunal that provides fair, efficient and affordable justice for the Victorian community.

VCAT serves the community by resolving civil and administrative disputes and making decisions in human rights and guardianship cases. VCAT services a diverse range of Victorian disputes, from residential tenancy matters to complex building and property and human rights matters, which have a deep reach into the Victorian community and a direct impact on the economy, in particular, in planning, property, health and small business.

An ordinary Member supervises the management of VCAT's cases in one or more lists, undertakes appropriate dispute resolution processes and conducts VCAT hearings.

The key accountabilities of Members include:

• Managing proceedings, conducting compulsory conferences, mediations, directions hearings, final hearings and otherwise resolving a wide range of civil and administrative disputes and proceedings in a fair and timely manner
• Faciliating virtual, in person and hybrid hearings and other processes, ensuring all parties have the opportunity to be heard
• Communicating with diverse parties (represented and unrepresented), legal practitioners and other representatives, witnesses and interpreters
• Managing a complex caseload, including by effective use of case management systems and other technology
• Analysing evidence, applying legislation, policy and practice directions to make decisions efficiently and according to law
• Delivering clear, concise and persuasive written and oral decisions, and other communications
• Promoting public trust and confidence in VCAT by maintaining impartiality, personal independence and integrity
• Working cohesively and collobaratively with VCAT Members and staff

Sessional and non-sessional VCAT Members are appointed for a period of seven years by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General.

Sessional Members are called upon by VCAT on an ad hoc basis, with an average commitment required of three days per week. Remuneration is calculated on a daily basis.

Non-sessional Members provide continuous service to the Tribunal and receive remuneration in accordance witht he Order in Council.

The yearly non-sessional Members salary is $286,533.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on behalf of the Attorney-General seeks expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds interested in appointment as sessional and non-sessional ordinary Members.

Applicants with demonstrated experience in building and property (domestic building, retail leasing and owners' corporations), legal practice, state tax matters or those with the versatility to work as generalists across multiple lists are favourable. This includes residential tenancies, civil claims, guardianship, and building and property matters.

Theideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• high level of integrity, sound judgment, legal or professional skills
• well-developed legal research skills and strong understanding of the application of the laws of evidence and principles of statutory interpretation to resolve legal problems
• ability to conduct hearings and a capacity to make fair decisions quickly
• sound judgement in dispute resolution and mediation
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills

You must be qualified as an Australian lawyer and those from the private, government, or community sectors with significant knowledge of VCAT's jurisdictions are encouraged to apply.

Ordinary Members will be required to participate in in-person or virtual hearings. For specific requirements VCAT will consider reasonable adjustments.

Regional travel may be required.

Click the ‘Apply Now' button, ensuring you include the following in your application:

• expression of interest
• resume

All expressions of interest are treated confidentially and may be drawn upon on an ongoing basis as vacancies arise.

An independent panel will assess all applications and will interview a short-list of candidates.

If you have any queries, please contact Amy Gardner, Strategic Member Partner at amy.gardner@courts.vic.gov.au

Note: all expressions of interest must be received by 11:59pm on Sunday 1 June 2025.

Other information

CSV is the employer of staff at Courts Group. CSV has a firm commitment through its Koori Employment Plan to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our workforce.

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. Those from the LGBTQIA+ community, women, people of all ages, with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and those who are neurodiverse, are encouraged to apply.

We aim to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to email the contact person listed in the advertisement.