Goodman v Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Goodman brought an application seeking judicial review of numerous orders made by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). The primary issue was whether "special circumstances" existed that warranted an extension of time for lodging the application, considering delays ranging from 175 days to over two years. The court was required to determine if the plaintiff's actions constituted special circumstances under the Supreme Court (General Civil Procedure) Rules 2005.

The court examined the circumstances surrounding each delay and whether they were reasonable or within the control of the applicant. It noted that some orders had been subject to a previous unsuccessful application for leave to appeal, and the appeal itself had been stayed until the plaintiff retained a solicitor and provided security for costs. The court considered these factors alongside the broader context of the delays and the reasons provided by the plaintiff.

Ultimately, the court found that the plaintiff had not demonstrated special circumstances to warrant an extension of time. It held that the delays were not justified and did not meet the threshold for special circumstances. Consequently, the application for judicial review was dismissed.

The final orders included a declaration that the application for judicial review was dismissed and that the applicant pay the respondent's costs of the proceeding.