The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is looking at ways to better provide Victorians with accessible, low-cost and speedy justice.

In March 2008, Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls asked VCAT president Justice Kevin Bell to undertake a review of his organisation.

Earlier this year the former Supreme Court of Victoria justice released a consultation paper, “The role of VCAT in a changing world”.

The terms of reference focus on whether VCAT has succeeded in improving access to justice, delivering equitable outcomes, whether it has been cost-effective and if further administrative efficiencies are needed.

VCAT president Justice Kevin Bell was also asked to investigate whether the additional jurisdiction assigned to VCAT since 1998 has been appropriate and if the exercise of concurrent jurisdiction with Victoria’s courts has enhanced the administration of justice.

In 1998, a total of 15 Boards and Tribunals in Victoria were consolidated jurisdictionally into VCAT to offer a one-stop-shop dealing with a range of civil and administrative disputes.

VCAT is made up of the civil, administrative and human rights divisions and 14 Lists dealing with issues including credit, domestic building works, legal practice matters, land valuation, tax and discrimination.

During 2007-2008 VCAT finalised 86,911 cases and its workload has increased steadily over the past 10 years.

The review report is due to be delivered by 30 November this year.