Dispute resolution

Mediation

Mediation offers you an alternative way of settling disputes before they get to court. Our trained mediators act as an impartial third party and you through a structured mediation process. Mediation is cheaper, easier and quicker than going to court, and we have dispute resolution centres throughout Queensland.

Justice mediation

Justice mediation is a voluntary, face-to-face meeting between a person who has been harmed by an incident and the person responsible for the incident. The aim is to work out how the offender can make amends.

Facilitation

Facilitation is used for large-scale disputes, often involving several parties. This can be within an organisation, a department or entire community. Facilitation can also be useful for organisations whose members and committee need to discuss major changes and need a neutral facilitator to guide discussions.

Legal enforcement of agreements

Normally an agreement reached in mediation is not legally binding, but you can make it enforceable if you choose to. When the agreement is drawn up, you can include a statement saying that you want it to be legally binding.

Dispute resolution training calendar

The Dispute Resolution Branch offers a number of training courses including:

• Mediation skills
• Facilitating effective groups
• Restorative justice
• Workplace conflict resolution.

Making a referral to a dispute resolution centre

You can make a referral to a dispute resolution centre if you work in a position where members of the public may ask you for help with a dispute. These positions include police, local government officers, personal or relationship counsellors, welfare or social workers, workplace managers, legal advisers, court staff, Department of Housing and community housing workers.

Become an appointed mediator

We employ mediators to provide free mediation services to people in Queensland. We have Dispute Resolution Centres (DRC) in Brisbane, Mackay, Townsville, Rockhampton and Cairns and we also have mediators based in many other areas in Queensland.

Tips for managing conflict

If you are in conflict with someone and you don’t know how to deal with it, we have some tips which you may find helpful.

Forms and publications

Downloadable forms, factsheets and brochures including the training registration form, neighbourhood mediation kit, professional devleopment for mediators and national recognition of mediation skills factsheets.