The participation of lawyers or other legal representatives is not encouraged in some list areas, substantially reducing the cost of litigation.
VCAT began operating on 1 July 1998, amalgamating 15 smaller boards and tribunals, creating a 'one-stop-shop' for handling a broad range of disputes.
When looking at the sheer number of cases, VCAT deals with the overwhelming majority of legal proceedings in Victoria.
Members have a broad range of specialist skills and qualifications, enabling VCAT to hear and determine cases of considerable complexity and varying subject matter.
VCAT has five divisions: Residential Tenancies, Civil, Planning and Environment, Human Rights and Administrative.
Applicants can apply online using VCAT's website (www.vcat.vic.gov.au) or in person at 55 King Street, Melbourne.
To resolve disputes without the need for a full hearing, VCAT conducts compulsory conferences, mediations, and hearings on the papers (where members make decisions on cases based solely on lodged documentation, without requiring attendance by the parties).
Its Human Rights Division is at Level 4, 414 La Trobe St, Melbourne.