Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to open venue in Melbourne CBD next year

The VCAT’s news release said the opening of the new venue aims to:

• transform the VCAT’s service delivery
• improve access to the VCAT’s services
• make the VCAT’s process more efficient and accessible
• meet the community’s diverse and changing needs
• ensure service users are safe and comfortable during the hearing of their matters
• upgrade Victoria’s tribunal infrastructure

“VCAT service users are at the heart of what we do,” said VCAT CEO Fiona Chamberlain in the news release. “The building has been designed in consultation with service users and staff to help us deliver an accessible, welcoming and comfortable space for people accessing our services and support.”

The VCAT said that the new headquarters will feature the following:

• modern and comfortable hearing and mediation rooms and waiting areas
• advanced digital hearing and mediation capabilities
• remote witness facilities
• dedicated spaces and secure facilities for those seeking additional support
• improved accessibility for all service users
• integrated legal and support services, including Victoria Legal Aid, State Trustees, and the Office of the Public Advocate

“With better facilities, increased accessibility and dedicated spaces for legal support services, the new VCAT headquarters will make justice easier to navigate for all Victorians,” said Victoria Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny.

“This is an important milestone and I look forward to the establishment of Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria this year to provide a faster, fairer and cheaper avenue for dispute resolution,” said Victoria Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos in the state government’s announcement.

The VCAT said that its community-based venues in Bendigo, Bundoora, Frankston, and Oakleigh will keep serving their local communities accordingly.