Bundoora locals will be able to get their everyday legal matters heard and access services faster at a new Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) facility, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes officially opened the new facility today, which will resolve more cases faster in Melbourne’s north-east and help clear the backlog caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The new site boasts the latest technology to enable more matters to be heard online, providing greater flexibility and capacity for hearings.

Remote witness facilities for family violence cases will ensure victim-survivors can engage safely and comfortably with the tribunal.

It will provide alternative dispute resolution, including the Fast Track Mediation and Hearing program – a partnership between VCAT and the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria.

Dedicated in-person assistance by Aboriginal support officers will be available as part of the Koori Engagement Program to improve Aboriginal access and participation at VCAT. The venue also features a Koori hearing room, and Aboriginal design elements are incorporated throughout the building’s public spaces.

Bundoora is one of three new state-of-the-art VCAT venues funded as part of the Government’s $11.5 million Family Violence Reform package. The first site in Oakleigh opened in February 2020, while Frankston opened last month.

As the busiest tribunal of its kind in Australia – finalising more than 85,000 cases a year – VCAT’s pending caseload was significantly impacted by the pandemic. These new facilities will help to clear more cases and ensure timely and effective resolution of matters for Victorians.