Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and related Regulations (review)

This page provides general information and shouldn't be considered as legal advice. Seek legal advice if you're unsure about your legal rights. Be aware that the law can change.

Cases we can hear

Reviewable decisions

You may be able to apply to VCAT for a review if all of the following criteria is met:

• a reviewable decision was made
• you are an eligible person regarding the reviewable decision
• you have first followed the required internal review process.

How do I know if I am an eligible person?

The table in section 20 of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 describes which decisions are reviewable and specifies who is an eligible person in relation to each decision.

For example, if the Authority makes a decision to issue a prohibition notice, the person to whom the notice is issued and any other person whose interests are affected by the decision will be an eligible person in respect of the decision.

Regulations 214 and 215 of the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2011 and Regulations 234 and 235 of the Dangerous Goods (Transport by Road or Rail) Regulations 2008 set out additional reviewable decisions and eligible persons in relation to those decisions.

Licensing decisions

You may be able to apply to VCAT to review the decision if your interests are affected by a decision of WorkCover under Part III of the Act (not being a reviewable decision) to:

• refuse to issue or renew a licence
• insert in a licence a condition, limitation or restriction
• amend, suspend or revoke a licence.

Other administrative decisions

If you are person whose interests are directly affected by an administrative decision of WorkCover (not being a reviewable decision and not being a decision made under Part III of the Act) you may be able to apply to VCAT to review that decision.

Legislation that gives VCAT the power to hear these applications

Reviewable decisions:

• Section 20B of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985
• Regulation 216 of the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2011 
• Regulations 234 and 235 of the Dangerous Goods (Transport by Road or Rail) Regulations 2008 

Decisions under Part III of the Act relating to licences that are not reviewable decisions:

• Section 22, 23 and 25 of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985

Other administrative decisions that are not reviewable decisions and are not made under Part III of the Act:

• Section 10A of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985

Time limits

Reviewable decisions – applications under section 20B

The deadline for applying to VCAT depends on your situation. You should apply within the period that ends last as it relates to your situation:

• if the decision is to forfeit a thing or a document, within 28 days of being made aware of the decision
• if the decision is made under the regulations, within 14 days of receiving confirmation of the decision or the new decision
• in the case of any other decision, within 14 days of being made aware of the decision or the day you received a statement of reasons
• if the Authority is required to give a statement of reasons, within 14 days of receiving the statement.

Licensing decisions

Refusal to issue or renew licences – applications under section 22

Apply to VCAT within one month of being notified of refusal under section 21(7).

Conditions on licences – applications under section 23

Apply to VCAT within 14 days of being notified of refusal under section 21(7).

Amending, suspending or revoking licences – applications under section 25

Apply to VCAT within one month of being notified of the decision under section 24(4).

Other administrative decisions – applications under section 10A

Apply within 28 days of when:

• the decision was made, or
• if you have requested a statement of reasons under the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act, the statement of reasons is given to you or you are informed that a statement of reasons will not be given.

You may be able to apply for an extension to these time limits.

Use your decision letter to complete your VCAT application

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.

What can VCAT order?

Unless the relevant Act of Parliament gives us 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.

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.