A NEW Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal facility has opened in Frankston.
VCAT has moved into the office building on Balmoral Street. The site is expected to be primarily used for renting, consumer, and guardianship matters.
VCAT president Justice Michelle Quigley said the new site would provide “greater capacity for dispute resolution across the South-East”.
“VCAT’s new Frankston venue is an important part of VCAT’s vision to increase access to justice for local communities outside Melbourne’s CBD,” she said.
Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said “the new VCAT facility at Frankston will resolve more cases, faster – allowing those who use these important services to move on with their lives and businesses.”
“We know that the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on our courts system, that’s why we’re investing $25 million to boost VCAT’s capacity and upgrade digital systems so more matters can be heard faster,” she said.
The VCAT building will also host remote witness facilities for people affected by family violence.
Frankston will also be the second VCAT site to feature a Koori hearing room.
Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke said “this new VCAT facility, in the heart of Frankston, will give locals easy access to the services they need to settle their dispute in a timely manner.”