CHIA Vic and Moores have combined to provide an invaluable opportunity for members to workshop challenging legal scenarios with a barrister and lawyer during this Managing Contested VCAT disputes session.
Community Housing Organisations are reporting an increase in tenants being represented at VCAT and as a result, complex and costly legal arguments and procedures are arising. This 1.5 hour session, led by Barrister Joel Silver and Lawyer Ellen Turner, has been developed to help community housing workers understand the technical and substantive arguments often put forward by tenants’ legal representatives.
It will also help participants to manage cases that involve significant preparation, lengthy hearings, decisions about evidence and/or cross examination of witnesses.
Participants are encouraged to provide anonymous details of past situations where the tenant having legal representation so real-life situations can be workshopped in this interactive session.
The session will assume attendees have an understanding of VCAT’s requirements and will focus on practical tips and case studies to assist Community Housing Organisations to manage these matters.
Topics will include:
- How to read the Residential Tenancies Act
- The changing paradigm due to COVID
- Key legal cases
- Impact of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
- Managing the tenant profile
- When to “pull the trigger” and commence proceedings
- Practical tips to prepare your best case for VCAT
- How to deal with requests for adjournments
- Case studies/scenarios to present your best case
The seminar is aimed at
- Tenancy workers who are on the “front lines” and may be involved in the preparation of VCAT proceedings and/or attending as witnesses at VCAT.
- Experienced housing workers who will run the matter at VCAT.
- Managers who determine when legal action is appropriate to manage the tenancy dispute.