Guides / VCAT consumer claims
VCAT consumer claims: how they work
Most consumer disputes in Victoria that cannot be settled end up at VCAT. Here is how it works, for consumers and businesses.
In short
- VCAT can hear any dispute between a buyer and a supplier about goods or services, with no upper limit on the amount.
- Claims of $15,000 or less are small claims, with simpler procedures.
- Parties usually represent themselves. A lawyer may appear only in some cases.
- Each party usually pays its own costs, whatever the result, with exceptions.
- Once a VCAT application is made, the same issues cannot be taken to court separately.
Key numbers
No limit
VCAT can hear a dispute between a buyer and a supplier of goods or services, whatever the amount.
$15,000
Claims up to this amount are small claims, with simpler procedures.
$67.40
The application fee for an individual’s claim of $15,000 or less, from 1 July 2026. No fee for concession card holders.
What VCAT hears
VCAT can hear any dispute between a buyer and a supplier about goods or services, with no upper limit on the amount.1 Claims of $15,000 or less are small claims, with simpler procedures.2 Domestic building disputes have their own path: most must first go to the Building and Plumbing Commission. See Home building.
What VCAT can order
Payment, damages, a refund, changes to or the voiding of contract terms, and orders that a party do or stop doing something, such as repairing or returning goods. In a consumer dispute VCAT can also make any order it considers fair, including declaring an unjust term void.3 VCAT cannot impose the penalties a court can impose for breaches of the Australian Consumer Law.4
Lawyers at VCAT
Parties usually represent themselves. A lawyer may appear only in some cases, for example where all parties agree, another party is represented by a lawyer, or VCAT gives permission; for small claims the test is stricter.5 A lawyer can still prepare the claim or response, the evidence and the submissions, and negotiate a settlement.
Costs
Each party usually pays its own costs, whatever the result, with exceptions, including where a written settlement offer was unreasonably refused.6 This is one reason why many claims settle.
Application fees (from 1 July 2026)
| Claim of $15,000 or less | Claim over $15,000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals | $67.40 | $222.80 |
| Companies (corporate fee) | $202.10 | $673.50 |
| Concession card holders | No fee | No fee |
Hearing fees can apply as well.9
VCAT or the Magistrates' Court?
The Magistrates’ Court hears civil claims up to $100,000 (more with the parties’ written consent).7 A court may suit larger or more complex claims, claims that involve federal jurisdiction, or cases where you want to recover costs. Once a VCAT application is made, the same issues cannot be taken to court separately.8 Choose before you file.
When to get help
Before you file, or as soon as a claim is filed against you.
The law
- Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic) ss 182, 184.
- Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic) s 183.
- Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic) s 184(2), s 185.
- Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic) ss 223(2), 224.
- Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic) s 62; sch 1 cl 4D.
- Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic) ss 109, 112.
- Magistrates’ Court Act 1989 (Vic) s 100(1).
- Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic) s 187.
- VCAT, “Fees” and “Apply: goods and services”; Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Fees) Regulations 2026 (Vic). Fees change each 1 July.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This page is general information about Victorian and Commonwealth law as at November 2026. It is not legal advice about your circumstances.
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