State precisely what you want VCAT to do so the respondent/s understand what you want VCAT to do and we know how urgent your application is. Orders you can seek are limited by the relevant Act of Parliament. If you are using this form as an application for a declaration, state the declaration/s you seek.

Enter a short statement providing the reasons you are making this application. This is called your statement of grounds. For some types of applications, the basis for making your application is limited by the relevant Act of Parliament. Refer to the Act to ensure your grounds for applying are relevant.

We usually schedule a practice day hearing (a type of procedural hearing) to determine how your application might proceed before the final hearing. This may include estimating how long the hearing may take, witnesses that might be called and other procedure matters.

To assist with managing your case, you need to tell us how much time you will need to present your entire case at a hearing. This includes time for any experts or other witnesses you will rely on to give evidence and be cross examined. Practice Note PNVCAT2 explains the role of expert witnesses, go to www.vcat.vic.gov.au/expertevidence.

31. How much time will you need to present your entire case at a hearing? *
Estimate the time you need to present, including time needed by any expert witnesses you will call.

VCAT fees are charged according to three levels:

concession fees for people who hold the Australian Government Health Care Card. You must provide a copy of your card with your application. We do not accept Pensioner Concession Cards or Department of Veteran Affairs health cards.

To find out if you need to pay an application fee and how much it costs, go to www.vcat.vic.gov.au/fees.

If you have provided your email address, you will shortly receive an email from us with instructions about next steps including how to make payment (if applicable). If you have not provided an email address and payment is required, VCAT will contact you by telephone about making payment.

After we receive your application and open a VCAT case, we will send you and all other parties an order setting out what happens next, including dates to come to VCAT. The order will tell you the venue, time and date you must go to VCAT.

The order will also have your VCAT reference number. The number starts with ‘P’ and ends with the year the application was lodged (eg. P1/2020). Quote the reference number in all correspondences and documents about your case.

Contact us if you do not hear from us within two weeks of submitting your application.

You are not required to include any supporting documents with your application. But you may wish to attach copies of documents that provide any relevant background. We will tell you if we require any other documents later.