On hearing day

Learn about what to expect on the day of your VCAT hearing.

Photo of the VCAT front doors. They are glass automatic doors with VCAT staff sitting behind them.

At a VCAT hearing, each party presents their case, provides evidence and has an opportunity to ask questions. After this process is complete, a VCAT decision maker (called a ‘member’) will make a decision to resolve the dispute, such as ordering one party to pay another. 

You may be asked to attend a hearing in person, by phone, or by video conference.

There are different types of hearings, for example: directions hearing, practice day hearing or preliminary hearing. Different types of hearings have different processes, so depending on your hearing type, the process may be different. You can find more details in your hearing notice.

Get ready for your hearing day

  • If you’re attending remotely, dial in 10 minutes before your hearing starts
  • For in person hearings, you must arrive at VCAT at least 30 minutes before your hearing starts
  • Check the Upcoming Hearings page to see which room you’ve been assigned to
  • Check your notice for the hearing details, including the type of hearing you’ll be having
  • Read how to prepare to come to VCAT to make sure you have everything you need

How long do hearings take?

Hearing durations can range from one hour to several days, depending on how complicated the case is. Your notice will include an estimated time, but it’s a good idea to allow extra time in case the hearing starts late or runs longer than expected.

Arriving at VCAT

The entrance to the VCAT building at 55 King Street, Melbourne. People are walking in and out of the building, with railings and steps leading up to the main doors.

Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your hearing. All VCAT venues have security screening at the entrance (similar to airport security) so you will need extra time for this. You will be asked to empty your pockets, and any sharp objects, tools, or prohibited items will not be allowed inside. 

All of our venues have accessible entrances, toilets, and hearing rooms.

After security, you will need to locate your hearing room. This information is on the Upcoming Hearings page and on the signs in the foyer. Ask a staff member for help if you need it. 

When you get to your room, there will be a seated area where you can wait. You will be called into the room when the hearing is about to start.

 

Where to find support services

A VCAT customer service officer assisting a visitor at the support services counter. The visitor is holding paperwork, and VCAT signage is visible on the wall.

We offer a range of support services including interpreters, disability, security, family violence and Koori support. 

If you have requested one of these services, please go to the customer service counter when you arrive and let them know.

Click here for information about VCAT’s venues

 

Attending your hearing remotely

If you are joining the hearing by phone or video, make sure you:

  • Join from a quiet place without interruptions.
  • Use headphones to reduce background noise.
  • Mute your microphone when you are not speaking.
  • Do not record the hearing – it is an offence to do so without permission (Court Security Act 1980 (Vic))

Learn more about how to attend a hearing remotely

 

Inside the hearing room

An overview of a VCAT hearing room during proceedings, with participants including a tribunal member, legal representatives, and attendees. The modern room includes desks, chairs, and microphones.

VCAT hearing rooms are less formal than a typical court room. The applicant and respondent sit at the table in the middle of the room, with the VCAT member at the front. Seating is also available at the back for other participants, such as witnesses, supporters, and members of the public.

If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander you can book a Koori hearing room by getting in touch with our Koori Support Team. 

All hearing rooms are equipped with wi-fi and power outlets. You can also use these services if you’ve booked them in advance (contact us to make a booking):

  • Hearing loop technology 
  • DVD player
  • TV screen

  • You and the other parties should follow the following hearing etiquette:

    • Bow or nod each time you enter or exit the room, if a member is at their desk at the front of the room
    • Address the member appropriately, such as ‘member’ or, for example, ‘member Smith’
    • Make sure your mobile phone is on silent
    • Remove hats and sunglasses
    • Don’t record the hearing without permission
    • Be polite - speak respectfully to the member and other parties, and avoid aggressive language or behaviour

  • Toilets and water stations are available outside the hearing rooms. 

  • Yes, but they must be on silent and not used to record anything. 

Read more about VCAT hearings

 

During the hearing

A tribunal member addresses participants in a VCAT hearing, with attendees seated and listening. The image shows a collaborative and professional environment with notes, documents, and a large meeting table.

Hearings are conducted by VCAT members, and some may be overseen by judicial members, such as the president or vice presidents, who are also judges. All hearings are recorded.

The VCAT member leads the hearing and ensures it is fair for all parties. Here's what you can expect:

  • The member may ask if all parties are willing to settle before the hearing starts
  • If no agreement is reached, the hearing proceeds
  • Typically, the member will ask the person who’s raised the dispute to present their case first, after which the other party is invited to respond
  • The member will ask both parties questions
  • Each party will be given the opportunity to present their facts, show evidence, and call any witnesses
  • If there’s a disagreement about the facts or the law, the member may adjourn the hearing for another time and provide guidance on what needs to be done

  • While VCAT can’t give you legal advice or tell you exactly what to say, here are some tips:

    • Stay calm: This will help you present your case more effectively.
    • Be prepared: Bring a copy of all documents you’ve shared with the other party. Also, bring a pen and paper for notes.
    • Show, don’t just tell: Present evidence like photos, videos, or reports to support your statements.
    • Stick to the facts: Clearly explain what happened, in the order events occurred.
    • Listen carefully: The VCAT member will guide you through the process. If you’re unsure of what to do, ask for help.
    • Watch your tone: Avoid aggressive language or behaviour—it’s important to remain polite and professional.
    • Focus on known issues: Don’t introduce new issues at the hearing without informing the member and the other parties beforehand.
    • Ask for help: If you’re unsure of what to do during the hearing, ask the VCAT member for guidance.

Read about how to prepare for a hearing

 

Getting a decision

VCAT tribunal member seated at the bench in a hearing room, overseeing the proceedings. A computer monitor and the tribunal emblem are visible in the background.

Once all the facts are presented, the VCAT member will make a decision. Sometimes the decision is given verbally on the day – and other times, it may take a few weeks. If VCAT issues a written order, it will detail what you or the other party must do, and this order is legally binding.

If you need written reasons for the decision, you must ask within 14 days of the hearing (or by the end of the hearing day for residential tenancies disputes).

 

Read more about how decisions work

Example: What to expect at a hearing

Kai went to an electronics shop to buy a car stereo. The shop’s owner, Emily, showed him a model she said would fit his car. After purchasing it, Kai discovered the stereo didn’t fit. When he contacted the shop to arrange an exchange or refund, Emily refused, as it was against her shop’s policy. Kai applied to VCAT, requesting that the shop be ordered to refund his money. 

 

Arriving at VCAT

Kai arrives at VCAT 30 minutes early so he has plenty of time to get to his hearing room. After passing through security, he checks the TV screen in the foyer to find out where he needs to go. The shop owner, Emily, also attends. They sit outside his hearing room until a staff member calls out their case.

 

Inside the hearing room

Once called, Kai and Emily enter the hearing room and take their seats at the table. The VCAT member sits at the front of the room to lead the hearing. The member introduces the case and proceedings and asks if either party is open to settling. When no agreement is reached, the hearing proceeds.

 

During the hearing

As the applicant, Kai is invited to present first. He explains that the stereo, recommended by Emily, did not fit his car as expected. 

Kai provides:

  • The receipt for the stereo
  • Messages showing his attempt to return or exchange the item
  • Photos demonstrating that the stereo does not fit his car’s dashboard

The VCAT member asks questions to clarify Kai’s timeline and the nature of the issue. Emily listens and reads through her copy of the evidence.

The member invites Emily to present her defence. She explains that she recommended the stereo based on the information Kai provided and argues that he did not give sufficient details about his car model. 

Emily provides:

  • Her shop’s policy on returns and exchanges
  • A statement from another staff member who saw the sale take place

The member asks questions to understand both parties' perspectives and compare the evidence provided.

 

Getting a decision

The VCAT member asks both parties to summarise their positions. Kai requests a refund, and Emily refers to the store's return policy.

The VCAT member then asks any further questions, reviews the evidence and makes a decision.

They may adjourn the final hearing for another time if more information is needed.

Related pages

Prepare for your hearing

Find out how to get ready for your hearing.

/the-vcat-process/prepare-to-come-to-vcat/prepare-for-the-hearing

Guardian and administrator hearings

Learn what to expect if you’re attending a hearing for a guardian and administrator case.

/the-vcat-process/on-hearing-day/on-hearing-day-guardians-and-administrators

Support services

View the different types of assistance you can request at VCAT.

/help-and-support/support-services-vcat

Frequently asked questions