The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) provides fair, efficient and affordable justice for the Victorian community.
VCAT serves the community by resolving civil and administrative disputes. It does this through conducting hearings and a variety of other appropriate dispute resolution processes. As the largest Tribunal of its type in Australia it has an extremely wide jurisdiction over a diverse and expanding range of areas, ranging from residential tenancies and goods and services disputes, to building and property and owners corporation disputes and about commercial and retail leases and planning applications, to human rights and guardianship or administration applications and review of administrative decisions made by other decision makers about licensing, professional discipline and health, and other areas of Victorian regulation.
The breadth of its adjudicative and dispute resolution role through various forms of ADR has a deep reach into the Victorian community, one that can have a direct impact on the wellbeing of people and the economy in particular, in planning, property, health and small business.
VCAT's status as a legal tribunal, rather than a court, allows it to operate with flexibility and informality. This is essential given that VCAT finalises over 83,000 cases a year, with its users coming from diverse sectors and socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Headquartered in Melbourne's CBD, VCAT delivers its services as a state tribunal across the breadth of Victoria through its three standalone suburban venues and a network of regional venues. Hearings and dispute resolution is conducted in person or online where this is feasible and fair to all parties.
VCAT has embarked on a digitally-enabled service transformation focused on delivering enhanced online services for our users, end to end digital workflows in all our practice areas and building an empowered and capable workforce who are receptive and ready for change.
Headed by a President who must be a Supreme Court judge, VCAT is part of Victoria's justice system. The courts and VCAT operate independently of direction from executive government. To support the independence of Victoria's courts and VCAT, our administrative services and facilities are provided by a statutory body corporate: Court Services Victoria (CSV). VCAT's President is a member of CSV's governing body, the Courts Council. Our CEO is appointed by the Courts Council on the recommendation of the VCAT President. Our CEO is responsible to the VCAT President for VCAT operations.
From February 2026, VCAT is anticipating conducting its business in 5 new divisions. This includes the Consumer Division, the Land & Environment Division, and the People's Rights and Responsibilities Division, which will comprise of new practice areas in which proceedings commenced in the Tribunal will be conducted and managed. There will also be the ADR Division, and the Legal & Policy Division, which will support the administration and operations of VCAT and all its divisions and perform functions in particular proceedings.
Legislative framework
The Rules Committee's responsibilities derive from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic) (VCAT Act).
Part 6 of the VCAT Act establishes the Rules Committee and defines its duties, membership and responsibilities.
The Rules Committee may make rules under section 157 of the VCAT Act regulating the practice and procedure of VCAT, including any rules required or permitted to be made by the Act or necessary to be made to give it effect.
The Committee also issues practice notes on particular topics under section 158 of the VCAT Act, such as fair hearing obligations of parties and their representatives.
The rules and practice notes of the Tribunal are public documents, and are published on its website.
VCAT Rules Committee members are generally appointed for a period of 5 years by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General. They are not considered public officials under the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic) with respect to their Rules Committee duties.
A member of the Rules Committee (other than the members who are members of VCAT) is entitled to receive the remuneration and allowances that are fixed from time to time by the Governor in Council.
Role of the Rules Committee
Rules Committee members are responsible for developing rules of practice and procedure and practice notes for VCAT, directing the education of members of VCAT in relation to those rules of practice and procedure and practice notes, and any other functions conferred by the President.
Role of the members
The Attorney-General is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified people from diverse backgrounds interested in an appointment as a Rules Committee member of VCAT under section 152(1)(d) of the VCAT Act.
The position requires demonstration of the following:
Australian legal practitioners with significant professional experience in litigation and case management of legal proceedings and in dispute resolution are eligible to apply.
VCAT Rules Committee members possess personal qualities such as integrity, fairness, maturity, sound temperament and commitment to public service. Appointees also need to be aware of, and sensitive to, the diversity of backgrounds and life experiences of VCAT users, and the need to communicate effectively and courteously. Effective use of technology and confident presentation skills are essential.
Rules Committee members will be required to attend in-person or virtual meetings. For specific requirements VCAT will consider reasonable adjustments.
The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that Victoria’s courts and tribunals reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. Women, people of all sexual orientations, gender identity and ages, those with a disability and people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are encouraged to apply.
Potential applicants are encouraged to consider the Framework of Judicial Abilities and Qualities for Victorian Judicial Officers.
All expressions of interest are treated confidentially and may be drawn upon as vacancies arise.
Expression of interest from suitably qualified candidates is sought with demonstrated legal practice experience Applications should include a resume and cover letter.
VCAT encourages applications from candidates across all diversity and priority areas, including applications from regional areas.
You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background or LGBTIQA+. If you identify as any of the aforementioned, we would welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process. Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.A