Gippsland › Latest news › Tim Bull MP
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
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
Gippsland students urged to enter National Water Week poster contest by 6 September 2024
Have your say and help develop Trafalgar Structure Plan through online survey by 20 May 2024
Stay vigilant and report scams to IDCare on 1800595160 as over 500,000 Aussies lose $3B in 2022
Tim Bull visits Gallipoli and honours fallen locals such as Basil Hooper, Vern Brookes, Thomas Bell, and Thomas Haylock
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024
Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests