VCAT Regional and Remote Hearings in Victoria

You Don't Have to Travel to Melbourne for a VCAT Hearing

VCAT's principal registry is at 55 King Street, Melbourne, but it conducts many proceedings by telephone or video. If you live in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Shepparton, or elsewhere in regional Victoria, you may be able to attend remotely; VCAT sets the format for each case, so check your hearing notice.

How Remote Hearings Work

VCAT conducts some proceedings via telephone or Microsoft Teams (video). The mode is set in your directions timetable or hearing notice; follow the connection instructions in that notice.

Telephone hearings are one option. Check the hearing notice to see whether VCAT will call you or whether you need to dial in; do not assume the tribunal will call the number on your application.

Video hearings may be held through Microsoft Teams. If your hearing is by video, the hearing notice provides the connection instructions.

In-person hearings may be listed at a VCAT venue. If you need a different attendance format, ask VCAT promptly; the tribunal decides whether a request is appropriate.

Preparing for a Remote Hearing

The evidence and preparation requirements are identical to an in-person hearing. The difference is logistics:

Before the hearing:

• File and exchange your evidence bundle through myVCAT by the directions deadline — the same paginated, indexed bundle you'd bring to an in-person hearing.
• Have your evidence bundle printed and in front of you during the call. When the member says "turn to page 12 of the applicant's bundle," you need to find it immediately.
• Test your phone connection or Microsoft Teams setup beforehand. A dropped call mid-hearing creates problems.

During the hearing:

• Find a quiet room with reliable reception. Background noise or interruptions undermine your credibility.
• Speak clearly and identify yourself before responding. The member can't see body language on a phone call, so verbal cues matter more.
• Don't talk over the other party. The member will give each side a chance to speak. Interruptions are harder to manage on a call than in a hearing room.

Regional Sitting Locations

VCAT is opening hearing venues in regional and rural locations as well as in the CBD. Check your hearing notice for the venue and format. If you have strong reasons for an in-person hearing at a regional location (witnesses who can't travel, physical evidence that needs inspection), raise this with the registry early in the process.

Does Location Affect Your Case?

No. The same tribunal rules, fees, and procedures apply whether you're in Melbourne CBD or rural Victoria. The filing fee for small claims (up to $15,000) is $202.10 at the standard rate or $67.40 on concession regardless of where you live.

The only practical difference is service of documents. If both you and the respondent are in the same regional town, personal service is straightforward. If the respondent is in Melbourne and you're in Mildura, you may need to use registered post or email service (where the respondent has consented to email through prior dealings).

The VCAT Civil Claim Filing Guide covers the complete Civil Claims List process including service methods, evidence bundle preparation, and hearing preparation — all applicable whether your hearing is in person, by phone, or on video.

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