Business Licensing Authority Act 1998

This page provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Seek legal advice if you are unsure about your legal rights. Be aware that the law can change.

The Business Licensing Authority Act 1998 sets out the operation of the Business Licensing Authority, who administers the licensing and registration provisions for a range of business activities (for example, estate agents and motor car traders).

Cases we can hear

You may apply to VCAT for a review of a decision by the Business Licensing Authority:

• about the restriction of personal information under section 17A if you are a person affected by the decision
• to issue a notice under Part 3 of the Act, about the suspension of a licence or other right or approval relating to a relevant business activity.
   

Legislation that gives VCAT the power to hear these applications

Section 17B and 25 of the Business Licensing Authority Act 1998

Documents you need to apply

If you have a decision document, use it to help you complete the VCAT application form and attach a copy of the document to your application.

Time limits

For decisions about the restriction of personal information, you must apply within 28 days:

• of the Business Licensing Authority notifying you of their decision
• if you have requested a statement of reasons, the statement of reasons is given to you or are informed that a statement of reasons will not be given.

Check the decision letter carefully for time limits to apply to VCAT and any other conditions. 

If you apply outside of the time limit, VCAT may extend the time for making an application. You must ask for an extension of time by indicating this on the ‘extension of time’ question of the application form and briefly explaining why your application was late.

VCAT will ask the decision maker if they agree to any extension. If the decision maker doesn't agree, VCAT may hold a preliminary hearing before deciding whether to grant an extension.

What can VCAT order?

Unless the Act gives VCAT different powers, VCAT can:

• affirm the original decision, in which case the original decision will stand
• vary the decision
• set aside the decision and substitute our own decision
• set aside the decision and send back the matter for reconsideration by the decision maker giving directions or recommendations
• invite the decision maker to reconsider their decision at any time during the case.

Putting the original decision on hold

In most cases, applying for a review does not put the original decision on hold and that decision stands until VCAT makes its decision.

If you want the original decision put on hold, you must ask for this by indicating you want a ‘stay’ on the application form and briefly explaining why you are seeking a stay.

It may not be possible to put the decision on hold if there would be no practical effect in doing so.

VCAT will ask the decision maker if they agree to any stay. If the decision maker doesn't agree, VCAT may hold a preliminary hearing before deciding whether to grant a stay.

Apply

We can explain the application process and what the form is asking you for. Contact us to get support.

We can't give you legal advice. This means we can't tell you what to write in your application or recommend how to get the outcome you want.

Seek legal help if you're unsure about your options or need advice about your claim.

Do I need a lawyer or professional representative?

You don't need to have legal or other professional representation to appear at VCAT. If you want to be represented by a lawyer or a professional advocate, usually you must ask for VCAT's permission.

Be aware that the regulatory body in most cases uses legal representation.

Find legal services that may be able to assist you.

Access and privacy

VCAT hearings and files are usually public.

VCAT has limited authority to restrict who can access cases and files but, in certain circumstances, you can apply for confidentiality.