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Andrews Labor government needs to explain why temporary closure of Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria

The Andrews Labor government needs to come clean on the temporary closure of the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) and outline its plans to reinstate normal services for the people of Victoria

By news@gippsland - 29th August 2022 - Back to News

The DSCV has been "temporarily closed" since March this year. Nationals MP, Tim Bull sought answers several months ago relating to when the normal dispute services will be reinstated. "The DSCV's purpose is to empower and assist the Victorian community to appropriately resolve issues including disputes between neighbours, families, tenants, in workplaces or retirement villages by providing advice and information, mediation and other forms of negotiation or referral services. It is a service used by a number of East Gippslanders," he said.

The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria has temporarily closed its general service to focus on assisting renters and rental providers to resolve disputes listed for consideration by VCAT

Lack of service

Mr Bull said, "The Centre aims to alleviate pressure on the judicial system and allow for a quick dispute outcome so matters can be progressed, but it cannot achieve this if it's shut. In fact, it will only increase cases going to VCAT. The DSCV website states it is an important service for all Victorians, but not when it is closed it isn't."

"General information on resolving neighbourhood disputes is available on the website, however this doesn't help those who don't have access to a computer, preferring instead to speak with someone, those who have difficulty reading or those who English is their second language."

"People are struggling with the lack of service and are feeling unsupported particularly East Gippsland's aging population who regularly utilise the Centre for assistance in resolving retirement village disputes.Mr Bull said.

Victorians need answers

Mr Bull also said, "What happens if an elderly or vulnerable person has a dispute with a neighbour and they have exhausted all other means to resolve it - what happens then? Their access to free and confidential dispute resolution services are now no longer available."

"They can't access the appropriate support they need and deserve through the DSCV. The government needs to be transparent and outline how much longer we must wait for people to be able to access this 'service' again."

Mr Bull seeks an answer from the Minister to his question raised in Parliament 6 months ago surrounding this issue. "It's been long enough, and Victorians need answers and support".

Pictures from Google Maps.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Kay Abude appointed lead artist for Women's Public Art Program in Wonthaggi honouring Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary
  Contemporary artist Kay Abude has been appointed to create a major Wonthaggi public artwork honouring the Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary, with community workshops and Victorian government support celebrating local history.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
  Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
  Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities.
• Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to enhance town centres until 20 October 2025
  Latrobe City Council has released its draft Streetscape Strategy for public feedback, aiming to enhance town aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability through improved design, maintenance, and consistent public amenities.
• Martin Cameron says Yallourn job cuts devastate workers and mark first blow in Power Station closure
  Up to 40 Yallourn Power Station jobs will be cut by 2025, sparking concern from Martin Cameron over Labor's failure to support the Latrobe Valley through the energy transition.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
  Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.