What do you want to do ?
Resolve a dispute about unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation or vilification
If you have experienced unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation or vilification you may apply to VCAT under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
From 15 April 2026, the laws relating to vilification have changed. Racial and religious civil anti-vilification protections under the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 are repealed and moved to the Equal Opportunities Act 2010, and expanded to also protect persons with other attributes such as disability, gender identity, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation and those with personal association with a person who have any of these attributes.
You can no longer make an application under the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 for something that happened after 15 April 2026. If you are applying about something that happened before 15 April 2026, you can still apply to VCAT under section 23 of the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 but only about racial or religious vilification.
Under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 you can apply directly to VCAT for resolution of your case or you can lodge a dispute with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. Lodging a dispute with the Commission does not stop a party from withdrawing that dispute and making an application to VCAT.
Learn more at the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission website about what constitutes discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation or vilification.
Cases VCAT can hear
Discrimination applications or applications about vilification lodged directly with VCAT under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
Cases we can't help with
We can’t accept:
- some cases where one party lives in another state or is a Commonwealth government organisation
- cases heard under federal law instead of Victorian law.
Before you apply
Before you apply to VCAT, consider whether you should apply to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC). The Commission provides dispute resolution services.
You could also consider contacting the other party to see if you can settle the dispute between you. If you cannot come to an agreement that resolves the dispute, you may apply to VCAT.
Apply
We can explain the application process and what the form is asking you for. Contact us to get support.
We cannot give you legal advice. This means we cannot tell you what to write in your application or recommend how to get the outcome you want.
Seek legal help if you are unsure about your options or need advice about your claim.
Make an application
Unless you are applying for an exemption from any provision of Victorian discrimination law, there are no application or hearing fees. You may have to pay a fee for other VCAT services.
Do I need a lawyer or professional representative?
You do not need to have a lawyer or a professional representative to appear at VCAT. Many people choose to represent themselves at VCAT, without engaging a lawyer. Find free or low-cost legal services that may be able to assist you.
If you wish to be represented by a lawyer or a professional advocate, usually you must ask for VCAT's permission. Read more about professional representation at VCAT.
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.
If you need assistance at VCAT (including interpreters, video or telephone links, or hearing loops) please contact us as early as possible so we can assist you. Learn more about customer support at VCAT.
Legislation that applies to this type of case
Organisations that may be able to help you
VCAT can't offer you legal advice. Below are organisations that may be able to help with your case.