Frequently asked questions

Your complaint must relate to one of the following Victorian judicial officers or VCAT members:

• a judge of the Supreme Court or the County Court
• a magistrate of the Magistrates’ Court or the Children’s Court
• a coroner of the Coroners Court
• a VCAT member
• a judicial registrar of the Supreme Court, the County Court, the Magistrates’ Court, the Children’s Court or the Coroners Court

• Federal Court of Australia: see their judicial complaints procedure (External link).
• Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia: see their judicial complaints procedure (External link).

The Commission can investigate complaints about the conduct or capacity of judicial officers and VCAT members.  For example:

• excessive delay in handing down a judgment
• inappropriate remarks made in the courtroom
• health issues which may affect the officer’s ability to perform their official functions
• sexual harassment or bullying

The Commission can’t investigate certain matters including:

• the correctness of a decision made by a judicial officer or VCAT member (if you wish to challenge the correctness of a decision you may wish to seek legal advice about whether you have rights of appeal or review)
• persons who are no longer judicial officers or VCAT members
• complaints which occurred at too remote a time
• complaints which don’t relate to a judicial officer or VCAT member

For more information, please contact us on (03) 9084 9600 or enquiries@judicialcommission.vic.gov.au (External link)

Before you submit your complaint

1. Understand who we can and can't investigate (External link) and check if we’re the right agency in Victoria to complain to.
2. Understand the kinds of outcomes the Commission can and cannot provide (External link).
3. Be clear on who you are complaining about.
4. Understand what happens to your complaint (External link) after it is lodged.

If you would like to enquire before making a formal complaint, please contact us on (03) 9084 9600 or enquiries@judicialcommission.vic.gov.au (External link)

Submitting your complaint

You can make a complaint to the Commission by completing the online complaint form and attaching any relevant documents or information. ​

The form can be accessed by clicking the button below:​​​​​​

Make a complaint​​​​​​

You will receive written confirmation that the Commission has received your complaint.  The process the Commission will follow in considering your complaint is explained on the following pages: Complaint Process Explained and Complaint Process Diagram.

You will also receive written notification of the outcome of your complaint.

You can make a complaint at any time, however, the Commission must adjourn the investigation of your complaint until the proceeding has finished and the judgement or decision has been handed down unless:

• the complaint relates to a delay in handing down a judgement or decision in the proceeding; or
• given the seriousness of the matter and the urgency with which it must be dealt with the relevant head of jurisdiction agrees the Commission should investigate the complaint.

Complainants can remain anonymous during the course of any enquiry. No action is taken in relation to any alleged conduct during this phase. We don’t need your full name or the Officer’s details during the course of your enquiry, all we need is a first name and a way to contact you.

If, after receiving information about our process and options, you decide to make a formal complaint, we will require a name, however, the Commission will not disclose the name to the public. 

The Judicial Commission’s decision on a complaint is final and there is no further avenue of appeal or review of the Commission's decision.

However, the Commission's decision has no bearing on your appeal rights in relation to the outcome of your court or tribunal matter. The appeals process exists externally to the Commission and varying time frames apply. If you wish to lodge an appeal of your decision, please seek legal advice or consult the relevant court or tribunal as soon as possible to ensure you are still eligible.