5 decisions published by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal between 18 October to 24 October 2026, summarised in plain English. Each one links to the full published decision.
Other civil disputes
- Working with children exclusion affirmed despite counselling and study progress (VCAT, 2026)
A man applied for a working with children check while a charge of making a threat to kill was pending, then pleaded guilty and was convicted, and the regulator refused the clearance and issued an exclusion. VCAT affirmed the exclusion, finding it was not satisfied that giving the clearance would pose no unjustifiable risk to the safety of children, or that it was in the public interest. - Objectors lose bid to stop a third bowling green and tree removal in a heritage park (VCAT, 2026)
A community group challenged a council's decision to let a bowls club build a third bowling green inside a heritage-listed park in Torquay, remove a row of Moonah trees and rebuild the car park. VCAT varied the council's decision and directed that the permit be issued, finding the trees were planted rather than naturally occurring and that the works would not harm the park's heritage significance. - Tribunal confirms rejection of WorkSafe review: no law gave it power to hear the case (VCAT, 2026)
A worker whose job ended complained to WorkSafe Victoria, which reviewed his information and closed the case, and he then applied to VCAT to have that outcome reviewed. VCAT confirmed the registry's rejection of his application, finding there was no reviewable decision and therefore no power to hear it. - Carport in the front setback refused: council’s decision upheld in a character overlay street (VCAT, 2026)
A home owner in Brighton asked Bayside City Council for a permit to build a double carport over existing parking in the front setback, and the council refused. VCAT affirmed the refusal and granted no permit, finding the carport would sit forward of the front wall of the house and harm the protected character of the street.
Unpaid debts, invoices and loans
- Linen hire supplier awarded $661.21 after its $325 debt collection fee was refused (VCAT, 2026) $661
A commercial linen hire supplier chased a company for six unpaid invoices plus a $325 debt collection charge, after the company had already paid $1,000 off the account. VCAT ordered the company to pay $555.31 for the unpaid hire charges plus the $105.90 application fee, a total of $661.21, and dismissed the debt collection claim because no agreement to pay it, and no breakdown of the work, had been proved.
Every VCAT decision we have summarised: VCAT cases. Thinking of applying? How to lodge a VCAT application.
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