Asking for a review of a Victorian government decision
This is about Victorian law. Each state and territory has its own law on this, and the steps and services are different. If you live outside Victoria, see Help in other states.
Last checked: 31 October 2026
The short answer
If you think a decision by a Victorian government body or council is wrong, start by asking it to look at the decision again. If that does not fix it, you may be able to ask VCAT to review it. Time limits are short, so check your decision letter the day you get it.
Key dates and time limits
- VCAT review: the time limit is on your decision letter. VCAT can extend a time limit in some cases.
- Victorian decisions you can take to VCAT: ask the decision maker in writing for a statement of reasons within 28 days of the decision.
- Victorian Ombudsman: generally will not look at something that happened more than 12 months ago.
- Victorian FOI: ask OVIC for a review within 28 days of the decision.
Step by step
Read the decision letter closely
Find the date, who made the decision, and what it says about review rights and time limits. Write the deadline in your calendar. If you have no letter, ask the agency for one.
Ask for reasons and your documents
Ask the body to explain the decision in writing. For Victorian decisions you can take to VCAT, you can ask for a written statement of reasons within 28 days. You can also make an FOI request for your file, following OVIC's process for Victorian agencies.
Ask for an internal review
Write to the agency and say you want the decision looked at again by someone else. Say why you think it is wrong and send any new evidence.
Complain to an Ombudsman if the problem is how you were treated
The Victorian Ombudsman looks at Victorian bodies such as councils, Fines Victoria and social housing, for free. It cannot look at Victoria Police or court decisions. Complain to the body first, then to the Ombudsman.
Apply to the tribunal
For many Victorian decisions, apply to VCAT online or on the paper form, and name the Act the decision was made under. A fee may apply, and you can ask about fee relief.
If you are late, ask for more time
VCAT can sometimes extend a time limit. Apply in writing as soon as you can and explain why you are late.
Who can help
Victorian Ombudsman
Free complaints about Victorian government bodies and councils.
VCAT
Information about the review process. VCAT cannot give legal advice.
Victoria Legal Aid Legal Help
Free legal information and referrals by phone or online chat, Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm.
Forms and the law
VCAT: application for review of a decision
How to apply to VCAT to review a decision by a government agency.
vcat.vic.gov.au/case-types/review-and-regulation/application-for-review-of-a-decision ↗Victorian Ombudsman complaints
Who the Ombudsman can look into and how to complain.
ombudsman.vic.gov.au/complaints ↗OVIC: apply for an FOI review
Review of a Victorian FOI decision.
ovic.vic.gov.au/freedom-of-information/for-the-public/apply-for-a-review ↗Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 (Vic), ss 45 and 126
legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/victorian-civil-and-administrative-tribunal-act-1998 ↗Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic)
legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/freedom-information-act-1982 ↗Where this information comes from
These are public sources we used to write this guide. They are general information, not legal advice about your situation.
- VCAT Review and regulation
- VCAT application for review of a decision
- VCAT Contact
- Victorian Legislation Victorian Act (PDF)
- Victorian Ombudsman Home page
- Victorian Ombudsman Victorian Ombudsman complaints
- Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner For the public
- Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner OVIC: apply for an FOI review
- Victoria Legal Aid Contact us
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