The new Bundoora VCAT facility will resolve more cases faster and help clear the major backlog caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said. The new site will also boast the latest technology available to enable more matters to be heard online, providing greater flexibility and capacity for hearings. 

“We’re rolling out new VCAT venues to deliver faster and easier access to justice for Victorians – helping them resolve matters quickly and move on with their lives,” Ms Symes said. 

“We know that the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on our justice 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.”

Remote witness facilities will be implemented into VCAT, as well as fast-track mediation and hearing programs. Dedicated in-person assistance will be made available by Aboriginal support officers as part of the Koori engagement program. 

Bundoora is one of the three new VCAT venues funded as part of the government’s $11.5 million family violence reform package. The first site in Oakleigh was opened in February 2020 and the second in Frankston opened in March 2021. 

“With our new community-based venues, we’re transforming the way we deliver VCAT services – making sure efficient and modern facilities are more readily available to those that need it most,” VCAT chief executive Mary Amiridis said. 

On top of providing hundreds more local jobs, the Bendigo law court development has been designed to ensure more inclusivity in a modern and safe facility, featuring cultural imagery and knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung traditional owners. 

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Ms Symes said the project will completely rebuild and expand the Bendigo law courts by delivering the latest technology and infrastructure to enable remote hearings, display of digital evidence and live-streaming capabilities. 

“This represents a new chapter for Bendigo,” Ms Symes said, adding that the design will create 390 new jobs as part of the government’s $152.4 million investment.

The new court will open in early 2023 and will be the first in Victoria to deliver the full range of specialist court services, including the Koori Court, the Specialist Family Violence Court, Drug Court and Mental Health Assessment and Referral Court. 

Capacity will also be boosted to support the expanded number of courtrooms, jurisdictions and services operating from the court. The complex will host the Magistrates Court, Children’s Court and VCAT as well as the Supreme Court, County Court and Federal Circuit Court on a circuit basis. 

“We look forward to reflecting upon and celebrating the proud culture of the Dja Dja Wurrung every time we visit the new precinct, with its design providing a welcome environment for all court users,” member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said.