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Preliminary hearings

Preliminary hearings are held only for some cases. We hold preliminary hearings to resolve issues that need to be decided on before the final hearing.

Consent orders

A consent order is a legal document issued by VCAT to confirm an agreement between the parties.

Decisions in planning disputes

Understand how we come to a decision when we hear a planning case at VCAT.

Reviews and rehearings

If you or your representative had a reasonable excuse for not attending the hearing, you can apply for a rehearing.

Appeal a decision

VCAT decisions can only be appealed at the Supreme Court of Victoria on a question of law. You must apply for permission to appeal a VCAT decision. This is called seeking leave to appeal.

On hearing day

Hearings are where all parties present their case, ask questions and provide evidence. VCAT makes a decision to resolve the dispute, for example by ordering one party to pay another party.

Expert reports

An expert report is a written report from an expert that a party uses as evidence in a VCAT case.

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.