From this update: SOS New Year Planning Update – 31 Jan.2014
VCAT makes Hearing CDs available again after SOS lobby effort
VCAT finally reinstated the availability of audio CD’s of hearings last November, at only slightly greater cost. On 26.11.12, VCAT had decided to terminate access to audio records of hearings, allegedly because some confidential legal comments might be picked up on the continuous recording
http://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/news/access-vcat-audio-recordings
However, SOS argued at a meeting with VCAT head Justice Garde last March that hearing participants realise they are continuously recorded and would thus not make unguarded comments, and that fair and affordable justice principles demanded that participants should be able to obtain a record of their hearing quickly and at reasonable cost, as in most other legal jurisdictions in Victoria and other states. In a decision that could also help improve transparency and accountability at VCAT, access to audio recordings was restored for all parties on 11.11.13. More details:
http://www.vcat.vic.gov.au/disputes/anti-discrimination/news/audio-cds-h…