1. For the reasons set out above, I order the respondent to pay the applicant $16,501.45. I will reserve the question of costs. I draw the parties' attention to s109 of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998.

[1] See Hardiman v Gory [2008] VCAT 267; Thurston v Campbell [2007] VCAT 340; Jacobi & Anor v Wilson & Ors [2012] VCAT 659.