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If you can't come to VCAT

Missing your date with VCAT means you won’t get the chance to have your say in the dispute, and VCAT may make a decision that affects you. Understand what your options are if you can’t come.

When things change

If you miss your hearing, can’t come to VCAT or need to change or withdraw your application, find out what to do next.

Apply for confidentiality

If you want information about your dispute to stay private, you must apply for confidentiality.

Mediations and compulsory conferences

When you come to VCAT, you may attend a mediation or a compulsory conference. This depends on your dispute. Find out more about how mediations and compulsory conferences work.

Mediations

Mediations are private meetings where parties come together to discuss ways to reach an agreement (settle) with the help of a mediator.

What VCAT does

Learn more about what we can help with, how we work and what to expect when you come to VCAT.

Photography, recording, mobile phones and electronic devices

It is an offence to record any part of a VCAT hearing without permission (Court Security Act 1980).

Directions hearings

At a directions hearing a VCAT member decides how the case should be managed and how much time it will take.

Prepare evidence

Evidence helps you prove your side of the story and helps the VCAT member to decide how the matter should be resolved.

Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 - poppy cultivation and processing licences

Under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981, VCAT can review some decisions of the Secretary of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning made about poppy cultivation and poppy processing licences.