About the board The Appeal Costs Board (Board) is responsible for the administration of the Appeal Costs Act 1998 (Act). The Board serves a function like that of a compensation tribunal: in certain circumstances it may partially compensate litigating parties who suffer loss through incurring legal costs arising from judicial error or other special circumstances for which the litigating party is not responsible.

The Act authorises the Board to make payments to parties in civil or criminal matters in circumstances where a court has issued an indemnity certificate in respect of costs.

About the role The main functions of the Board are assessing and determining applications for payment made under the Act and discharging other functions conferred by the Act.

Board members are responsible for assessing applications from legal practices and individuals who may be entitled to payments pursuant to the Act. The role requires attending monthly meetings and assessing Section 17 applications (relating to criminal proceedings that have been adjourned) several times per month. A minimum availability of approximately fifteen to twenty-five hours per month is required.

Key accountabilities

- Attend monthly meetings to assess applications
- Liaising with the secretariat and other Board members in respect of Section 17 applications, on a weekly basis
- Assess, analyse, and determine reasonable costs for applications
- Demonstrate a high level of knowledge and analysis of legal costs for both civil and criminal matters
- Demonstrate transparency and detail in the costing process




- Liaising with the secretariat and other Board members in respect of correspondence received
- Participate in any other tasks relevant to this position, as required from time to time.

Members of the Appeal Costs Board are appointed by the Attorney-General for a term of three years and are eligible for re-appointment.

Who we're looking for

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

- A high degree of familiarity with the costing processes in the Victorian Courts and Tribunals and the High Court
- Understanding of the legislation governing payments authorised by the Act
- Experience in assessing legal costs
- Ability to make clear and authoritative decisions based on documented applications
- Understanding and familiarity with the legal profession requirements applying to solicitors and counsel.

Desirable Requirement Admitted to practice law in Victoria with a minimum of five years’ experience.

What you need to apply The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community. We encourage applications from people of all ages, Aboriginal people, people with disability,



people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and LGBTIQA+ people. We will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond. We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQA+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less. If you identify as any of the aforementioned, we would welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process.

Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.

How to apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should address the Key Selection Criteria and interest in member or deputy chairperson appointment. Applications should also include a resume and covering letter with at least two relevant skilled referees. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

Appointees are subject to police and probity checks undertaken routinely in accordance with current government policies. A Declaration of Private Interest is also required.

Applicants with further enquiries may contact Marco Boscaglia at [email protected]

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 11 October 2026.

📌 Member and Deputy Chairperson - Appeals Costs Board (Melbourne)
🏢 Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria
📍 Melbourne