There are many differences between VCAT and CAV.
-Their jurisdictions are different. CAV has jurisdiction in the supply of goods and services, owner's corporations, retirement villages, and residential tenancies. VCAT has jurisdiction in administrative disputes (environment and planning, legal practice etc.), civil disputes (civil claims, building and property etc.), human rights disputes (equal opportunity, discrimination, guardianship issues), and residential tenancies.
-The methods used by each institution is different. VCAT uses mediation and other methods to solve disputes, while CAV primarily uses conciliation.
-The cost (accessibility) of each institution is different. CAV is free, but VCAT is not. For VCAT, there are filing fees and hearing fees for some claims.
Hope this helps.