Dispute Resolution Branch celebrates 35 years and more than 77,000 mediations
- Dispute Resolution Branch (DRB) clocks 35 years settling disputes
- Set up to resolve disputes between neighbours, it also conducts conferencing for Adult Restorative Justice and Child Protection matters
- Boasts a success rate of more than 80 percent
The Dispute Resolution Branch (DRB) is celebrating 35 years of bringing Queenslanders together to resolve differences that may have otherwise ended in a court battle.
Starting with nine staff across four branches (Brisbane, Logan, Townsville and Mt Isa) in 1990, when it was known as the Community Justice Program, the DRB now has 45 staff and 122 professional community mediators servicing seven offices.
Originally established to resolve disputes between neighbours, the free service has been expanded several times across more than three and half decades.
The DRB now encompasses community disputes, minor civil disputes, adult restorative conferences and court-ordered child protection conferences.
In addition, DRB’s mediation process has helped resolve workplace disputes, family conflicts and the facilitation of large scale environmental and public interest issues.
Across 35 years of providing an invaluable service to Queenslanders, DRB’s mediators have completed more than 77,000 mediations and assisted some 160,000 parties.
The effectiveness of the DRB over the years has:
- eased the resource burden on courts, police and government services
- reduced the cost of legal services to the community
- been an effective low cost alternative to other dispute resolution services.
From disputed fence lines and overhanging trees to noise complaints and building issues, the DRB has responded to 4600 public enquiries.
The three most common neighbourhood disputes are:
- fences
- trees
- noise.
While the public can directly lodge a request to resolve a dispute, DRB also receives matters through formal legal avenues.
Queensland Courts and the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) can make orders for parties to use DRB’s services to circumvent a time-consuming, costly and adversarial legal processes.
The Magistrates Court can refer Peace and Good Behaviour referrals to be managed by DRB.
The DRB also provides nationally-accredited mediation training.
Acting Executive Director, Community Justice Services Kirsten Eades said the DRB was one of the government’s quiet achievers and they provided an invaluable service across the state.
“Across three and a half decades, the Dispute Resolution Branch has developed to be the prime free mediation service for Queensland,” Ms Eades said.
“It’s an unheralded service that provides common sense options through mediation and empathy for both parties.
“I cannot speak highly enough about the Dispute Resolution Branch and the mediators and staff who bring harmony to our suburbs.”