VCAT Rules Committee Member

About Us

Court Services Victoria provides corporate services and facilities to support the performance of the judicial, quasi-judicial and administrative functions of Victoria's courts and tribunal, Judicial College and Judicial Commission.

Collectively, Victoria's Supreme, County, Magistrates', Children's, and Coroners courts, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), the Judicial College of Victoria, the Judicial Commission of Victoria, and Court Services Victoria (CSV) are referred to as the ‘Courts Group'.

Our people enable the Courts Group to deliver on each jurisdiction's own strategic priorities while also pursuing strategic opportunities that are interconnected and deliver benefits more broadly.

 

VCAT

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) provides fair, efficient and affordable justice for the Victorian community.

VCAT serves the community by resolving civil and administrative disputes. It does this through conducting hearings and a variety of other appropriate dispute resolution processes. As the largest Tribunal of its type in Australia it has an extremely wide jurisdiction over a diverse and expanding range of areas, ranging from residential tenancies and goods and services disputes, to building and property and owners corporation disputes and about commercial and retail leases and planning applications, to human rights and guardianship or administration applications and review of administrative decisions made by other decision makers about licensing, professional discipline and health, and other areas of Victorian regulation.

The breadth of its adjudicative and dispute resolution role through various forms of ADR has a deep reach into the Victorian community, one that can have a direct impact on the wellbeing of people and the economy in particular, in planning, property, health and small business.

 

About the Role

Rules Committee members are responsible for developing rules of practice and procedure and practice notes for VCAT, directing the education of members of VCAT in relation to those rules of practice and procedure and practice notes, and any other functions conferred by the President.

The key accountabilities of Rules Committee members include:

• Providing advice and opinion on amendments to VCAT Rules, Practice Notes and other relevant Rules Committee work
• Promoting public trust and confidence in VCAT by maintaining impartiality, personal independence and integrity
• Working cohesively and collobaratively with VCAT Members and staff.

 

Rules Committee members are appointed under section 152(1)(d) of the VCAT Act and are appointed for a period of five years by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General. The Attorney-General seeks expressions of interest from suitably qualified people from diverse backgrounds interested in appointment as a Rules Committee member of VCAT.

 

About You

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on behalf of the Attorney-General is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified candidates for appointment as sessional and non-sessional ordinary Members. Applicants must be an Australian legal practitioner.

We are particularly interested in applicants with demonstrated expertise in interpreting and applying VCAT's legal framework and jurisdiction as set out in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Act 1998 and the enabling enactments conferring jurisdiction to VCAT, capability to interpret and apply the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, and experience in any of VCAT's practice areas, including building and property (domestic building, retail leasing and owners' corporations), legal practice, state tax matters, residential tenancies, civil claims, and guardianship. You will also have:

• Demonstrated capability to communicate effectively and courteously
• Effective use of technology and confident presentation skills, which are essential

 

Rules Committee members will be required to attend in-person or virtual meetings quarterly. For specific requirements VCAT will consider reasonable adjustments. Remuneration is set in accordance with the Order in Council.

Australian lawyers from the private, government, or community sectors with significant knowledge of VCAT's jurisdictions are encouraged to apply. Applicants should demonstrate a high level of integrity, sound judgment, transferable skills applicable to conducting hearings and capability to support fair decision making by members and registry operations.

VCAT encourages applications from candidates across all diversity and priority areas, including applications from regional areas.

 

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply Now' button, ensuring you include the following in your application:

• resume
• a short cover letter

 

All expressions of interest are treated confidentially and may be drawn upon on an ongoing basis as vacancies arise. An independent panel will assess all applications and will interview a short-list of candidates.

All expressions of interest must be received by 11:59 PM on 11 January 2026.

Salary related queries or any other query, can be directed to James Occleshaw, Senior Advisor to the President at james.occleshaw@courts.vic.gov.au.

 

Other information

CSV is the employer of staff at Courts Group. CSV has a firm commitment through its Koori Employment Plan to increase participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our workforce.

We value the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and encourage and celebrate diversity. Those from the LGBTQIA+ community, women, people of all ages, with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse people, and those who are neurodiverse, are encouraged to apply.

We aim to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to email the contact person listed in the advertisement.

As part of our commitment to a safe and respectful workplace, CSV conduct pre-employment checks, including reference checks, police checks and misconduct screening. These checks are handled confidentially, with care and are a standard part of our hiring process to ensure the right fit for both candidates and Court Services Victoria.