New VCAT headquarters opens at 308 La Trobe St

Victoria’s civil and administrative tribunal has officially opened its new CBD headquarters at 308 La Trobe St, with the state government saying the move will help reduce wait times and make justice services easier to access.

Attorney-General and Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny opened the new Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal headquarters on March 25, describing it as a major upgrade for one of the state’s busiest justice services.

Backed by a $106 million state government investment, the new facility brings VCAT together under one roof with related services including Victoria Legal Aid, State Trustees and the Office of the Public Advocate.

The headquarters includes 41 hearing and mediation rooms, two Koori rooms and a dedicated vulnerable persons facility, with the government saying the added capacity will allow more matters to be heard sooner.

VCAT resolves more than 75,000 cases each year, making it one of Victoria’s most in-demand justice services.

The new building also includes updated digital hearing and remote witness technology, designed to expand access to virtual and hybrid hearings and reduce the time and travel costs associated with attending in person.

Ms Kilkenny said the new headquarters would help VCAT better serve the public.

“This new headquarters gives VCAT the space, technology and facilities it needs to better serve Victorians,” she said.

The move is also intended to improve the overall user experience, with secure access, safer waiting areas and better accessibility features built into the new site.

The building is also home to Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria, a free service launched in 2025 to help renters and rental providers resolve disputes more quickly.

Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said the new CBD headquarters, formerly based on King St, would support that work.

“From VCAT’s new CBD headquarters, Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria is delivering faster, free dispute resolution for renters and rental providers,” he said.

VCAT president Justice Ted Woodward said the La Trobe St location would also make the tribunal easier to reach.

“Set in the heart of Melbourne and close to public transport, our new venue is equipped with modern technology that supports in-person, virtual and hybrid hearings reflecting the ways people engage with VCAT today,” he said.

VCAT staff began moving into the building last month, with full public services now operating from the new headquarters from Monday, March 30.