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Application for Costs

WHAT COSTS/ FEES YOU CAN APPLY FORIn a proceeding at the Tribunal, the general rule is that each party bears its own costs. This means that there is no automatic right to costs, even if you are the successful party.

You can apply for the following costs and fees under the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (‘VCAT Act’):
  • costs you have incurred in participating in a proceeding (under section 109 of the VCAT Act)

  • reimbursement of fees you have paid in a proceeding (under section 115B of the VCAT Act).

  • costs you have incurred in participating in a proceeding in a circumstance where the application is withdrawn (under section 74 of the VCAT Act)

  • compensation from the applicant for any costs, expenses, loss, inconvenience and embarrassment resulting from a proceeding in a circumstance where the Tribunal makes an order summarily dismissing or striking out all or any part of the proceeding (under section 75 of the VCAT Act)

(Note: The VCAT Act contains exceptions to the use of section 109 and section 115B. Before making an application, please check the VCAT Act to determine whether these exceptions apply in your circumstances).

WHO IS MAKING THIS APPLICATION?

IS SOMEONE REPRESENTING YOU?

If you nominate a representative, we will send all our correspondences to your representative’s address instead of your address. It must be an address in Victoria.

WHAT ARE THE CASE DETAILS?

WHAT ARE YOU APPLYING FOR?

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ABOUT VCAT FEES

A fee is payable for an application for costs made under section 109 of the VCAT Act, when it is made after the Tribunal has issued its final order in a proceeding.

VCAT fees are charged according to three levels:

  • corporate fees for businesses and companies with a turnover of more than $200,000 in the previous financial year, corporate entities and government agencies
  • standard fees for individuals, not-for-profit organisations, and small businesses and companies with a turnover of less than $200,000 in the previous financial year. Companies must provide a statutory declaration to support this claim
  • concession fees for people who hold the Australian Government Health Care Card. You must provide a copy of your card (front and back) with your Statement of Grounds. If more than one person is named on the Statement of Grounds, this card needs to be provided for each person. We do not accept Pensioner Concession Cards or Department of Veteran Affairs health cards.

    Health Care Card Sample

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

    • FEE RELIEF

    WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

    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, we will send you and the other party/parties an order setting out what happens next.

    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.

    SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

    Need Help?

    If you have any questions about completing this form, contact our Customer Service team: 

    • Email admin@vcat.vic.gov.au 

    • Call 1300 01 8228 (1300 01 VCAT) between 9 am and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday  

    • Go to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Ground Floor, 55 King Street, Melbourne VIC 3000. We are open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. 

    Privacy Information

    For a copy of VCAT’s privacy statement, go to  www.vcat.vic.gov.au/privacy