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Respond to an application - Goods and services disputes

When you get a notice from VCAT about a consumer goods and services dispute, find out what this means for you and what you need to do.

Fees

We charge fees for applications, hearings, and other VCAT services. Fees are set by the Victorian Government and are updated on 1 July each year.

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.

How long a VCAT case takes

The duration of a case and wait times to get to a hearing depend on the type of case.

When VCAT starts a case

When we receive an application and the correct fee, we first assess it to make sure VCAT has the powers to resolve the case and then open a new case.

Make another type of environment and resources application

VCAT can deal with a range of disputes about the use, development or management of natural resources or the protection of the environment.

Applications about protecting the environment

VCAT can review decisions made about licenses, permits, registrations, authorisations, notices, Better Environment Plans, financial assurances and site management orders.

Application for a declaration under environment and resources laws

VCAT has the power to make declarations or an order some environment and natural resources laws. A declaration can determine the meaning or effect of provisions in an act, notice, licence, permit or the like. A declaration or order may also be used to decide whether a decision made by the original decision-making authority is valid.

End a case by dismissal or strike out

When you respond to an application against you, you can ask for VCAT to dismiss a case or end it in a strike out.

Applications about natural resources

VCAT can hear and determine disputes about the management and use of water and earth resources such as rock and sand.