​Get a copy of a VCAT decision

If a decision is reserved, we will usually give it to the parties within 6 to 8 weeks from the last day of the hearing or from when final submissions are due, whichever is the later date.

There are several ways media can get a copy after the parties get their decision:

1. The day after the decision is released, decisions with written reasons are generally published on the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII) website.
2. If the case has attracted high levels of media or public interest, we may publish the decision in our high profile decisions.
3. If a decision is listed ‘for collection’ on our hearings list, we can provide a copy of the decision two hours after a formal decision hand-down for a fee. We contact you to take payment. You will need to complete and submit the File and document access request form.
4. If the decision has not been listed ‘for collection’, but is sent to parties by email or post, the Media team can let you know when it will be available.

Fees at VCAT

Suppression orders and other restrictions on publication

There may be a suppression (non-publication) order on a decision, which can have varying levels of restriction, ranging from prohibiting any reporting of the case to allowing publication but not allowing identification of anyone involved.

In certain proceedings, VCAT may anonymise parties and other people involved in the case to protect the identity of witnesses, children or other vulnerable people. This generally happens in disciplinary matters in the Review and Regulation List (such as Working with Children Check review applications), and in the Human Rights and Guardianship Lists.

Decisions in the Guardianship List are public, but the identity of parties may not be published without an Order of VCAT. This order can be made under Schedule 1, Clause 37, confidentiality of proceedings of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998.

The Media team can check if there are any orders restricting publication.