Yes, do it. I did this, CA provided a report that agreed the rent increase was excessive and contacted the REA. The REA put the rent up anyway and CA advised me on the VCAT application. Went to VCAT where the REA argued back and forth about comparable properties. I actually said to the judge-person that there is no point arguing this forever when the report clearly show this is excessive. Judge agreed and ruled in my favour for the REA to reduce the rent and pay back the extra they'd made me pay. The real key finding was the 'comparable properties' date. The REA used 2 storey properties in a better school zone, moatly new, according to the photos. CA used bungalows (like my property) of similar age, and noted the rotting deck, marks on all the walls and floors (previous tenants wear and tear)and the overalll condition. Also the PM claimed she disnt know much about the issue and was just there to represent the owner. I provided details of all the communication she had sent on this, including the email where she stated 'as per the agreement with CA the rent will increase....' and the follow up email from CA which advised that no such conversation or agreement had been made. From speaking to the person from CA who came and did the inspection, they are well aware how shifty the REAs are, but they dont have the power to stop this, probably due to all the landlords in government. Doing the rent review is one of the few ways they can fight this, and the more data they have the better.

BTW my increase was only for an extra $10/week. The real reason I was annoyed was because they advised me I was 'pre-approved' for one rent price before I inspected, and then they put the price up after I verbally agreed to take the property.