(1) An application to VCAT for VCAT's consent to the carrying out of a special medical procedure on a patient may be made by—
(a) the patient's medical treatment decision maker; or
(b) any person VCAT determines to have a special interest in the affairs of the patient.
(2) A patient in relation to whom an application for VCAT's consent is made under this Part is a party to the proceeding.
(3) VCAT must give the Public Advocate and any other person VCAT determines to have a special interest in the affairs of the patient—
(a) notice of the application for VCAT's consent to the carrying out of the special medical procedure on the patient; and
(b) notice of the hearing of the application and of any order in relation to the application; and
(c) notice of any direction or advisory opinion in relation to the application.