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Media reporting
Learn more about what you can report in the media and how to obtain information about a case.
How to attend a hearing
VCAT holds hearings in person, via phone and videoconference. VCAT publishes hearings for the next day on our Upcoming Hearings page.
If you're a media representative and want to attend a hearing, email media@courts.vic.gov.au as soon as possible.
You cannot observe compulsory conferences or mediations unless you are a party in the case.
When a hearing is to be held in person, it is usually not possible to attend remotely. Likewise, you cannot physically go to VCAT to attend a phone or videoconference hearing.
More about attending a VCAT hearing or other proceeding
Restrictions on reporting about hearings
VCAT hearings are generally open to the public, including media, unless VCAT makes a closed court order under the Open Courts Act 2013 closing all or part of the proceeding.
VCAT can make a closed court order for several reasons, including ensuring the safety of people involved in the case, or to prevent the disclosure of confidential information.
Media representatives who want to attend, view or listen to a hearing should email media@courts.vic.gov.au to:
- ask for hearing dates and times
- check if a closed court or non-publication order applies.
Knowing these orders will help you understand what you can and cannot publish.
Obtaining recordings of hearings
VCAT partners with several third-party suppliers who record our hearings and can provide them to media for a fee (transcript options are also available).
More about recordings and transcripts of VCAT hearings
Requests for comment
VCAT cannot comment on the specifics of individual cases or on matters of government policy. But we can usually provide more general comments about how VCAT works, with the aim of improving understanding in the community. You can request a comment by emailing media@courts.vic.gov.au.
Provide as much detail as possible in your enquiry. We make every effort where possible, to meet deadlines for requests for comment or information.
Inspecting case files
Most VCAT case files can be accessed upon request:
- Complete a file and document request form
- Pay the $136.20 file inspection fee
- Email the form to media@courts.vic.gov.au
The fee applies to anyone who is not a party to the case and is set by the Victorian Government.
We will contact you when the file is ready for you to view, or advise you if there are any orders preventing the file’s inspection.
Some files are available to view digitally and will be emailed to you after we receive your payment. Hard copy files can either be viewed in person at our 55 King Street Melbourne premises or scanned and emailed to you. Scanning can take some time to organise as it is managed by a third party. Please allow ten business days for delivery of scanned files.
Related pages
Attend a VCAT hearing or other proceeding
VCAT hearings are generally open to the public, including media. Access depends on the type of proceeding and whether orders are in place that close the hearing or prevent publication of details.
Filming, photography, audio and social media
As a media representative from a news organisation you have certain privileges under the Court Security Act 1980.
Recordings and transcripts of VCAT hearings
Anyone can request an audio recording or a written transcript of a hearing.
View a VCAT file
A file is all the documents submitted to VCAT as part of a case.