72VCAT may make interim orders before hearing

72 VCAT may make interim orders before hearing S. 72(1) amended by No. 20/2017 s. 106(5). (1) A complainant or a respondent or the Information Commissioner may apply to VCAT for an interim order to prevent any party to the complaint from acting in a manner prejudicial to negotiations or conciliation or to any decision or order VCAT might subsequently make. (2) An application may be made under subsection (1) at any time before the complaint is referred to VCAT. (3) In making an interim order, VCAT must have regard to— (a) whether or not the complainant has established a prima facie case with respect to the complaint; and (b) any possible detriment or advantage to the public interest in making the order; and (c) any possible detriment to the complainant's or the respondent's case if the order is not made. (4) An interim order applies for the period, not exceeding 28 days, specified in it and may be extended from time to time by VCAT. (5) The party against whom the interim order is sought is a party to the proceeding on an application under subsection (1). (6) In making an interim order, VCAT— (a) may require any undertaking as to costs or damages that it considers appropriate; and (b) may make provision for the lifting of the order if specified conditions are met. (7) VCAT may assess any costs or damages referred to in subsection (6)(a). (8) Nothing in this section affects or takes away from VCAT's power under section 123 of the **Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998** to make orders of an interim nature in a proceeding in VCAT in respect of a complaint.