Find common ground and avoid costly disputes with mediation.
Andrew Blyth MBus, MA (Intnl Rlns), BA, DipMgmt, GAICD, JP (NSW),
Nationally Accredited Mediator
NSW Farm Debt Mediation Panel Member
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a dispute resolution process where an independent mediator helps parties reach a settlement that works for everyone. It extends the parties’ own negotiations, offering a more efficient and collaborative alternative to formal legal proceedings.
How Does Mediation Work?
Mediation is entirely voluntary and non-binding, meaning the mediator cannot impose a decision or force a settlement. Instead, the mediator’s role is to guide negotiations, identify barriers to resolution, and help both sides find common ground.
Unlike a courtroom battle or arbitration, mediation is informal. It involves a structured discussion between the parties rather than formal presentations of evidence or witness testimony. This streamlined approach means mediation can often wrap up in a week, providing a quicker resolution to disputes. Of course, each case is unique, and we tailor the process to fit your specific needs.
Confidential and Private
Mediation sessions are private and confidential. Held in a secure setting – be it a private office, meeting room, or online – there is no public record of the proceedings. Statements made during the session cannot be used as evidence in any future legal action. If the parties reach an agreement, it can be made binding through the court, providing the best of both worlds – confidentiality and enforceability.
What to Expect in a Mediation Session
A typical mediation starts with a joint meeting where the mediator outlines the process and highlights the voluntary, confidential nature of the discussions. Each party then has the opportunity to present their side of the issue.
After the initial meeting, the mediator often meets with each party separately in private, confidential sessions. These one-on-one meetings allow the mediator to better understand each side’s concerns and help develop creative solutions for settlement. The mediator shares information only with permission, ensuring that trust remains central throughout the process.
Why Choose Mediation?
- You Stay in Control: Unlike arbitration, where a third party makes the decision, mediation puts the power back in your hands. You and the other party shape the final agreement.
- Cost-Effective and Efficient: Save time and money compared to lengthy legal battles.
- Tailored Solutions: Mediation helps you craft outcomes that suit both parties, without the rigid constraints of a court order.
- Maintain Privacy: Keep your dispute and its resolution out of the public eye.
Common Uses of Mediation
Employment – DEWR, workplace grievance, industrial relations, discrimination
Commercial – contract, insurance, construction, franchise, personal injury
Statutory – VCAT, QCAT, NCAT, AAT, ADB, WCC, IRCs, Fair Work Australia, HREOC, Dust Diseases Tribunal, Farm Debt, Strata Titles, Road and Maritime Authority etc
Court Annexed
Family – relationships, parenting, residence, property
Local Govt/Environmental – DA’s, heritage sites, waste dumps, land use
Andrew Blyth Advocacy provides boutique workplace and business mediation services and advocacy for veterans.
Navigating workplace conflicts in a business setting is challenging and stressful. A well thought out and structured mediation service allows you to achieve amicable and effective outcomes, saving you time, money, and stress.
Andrew Blyth Advocacy’s professional and impartial approach will guide you through the process to resolve any employee disputes, business disagreements or contractual conflicts.
Dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of veterans and their families, Andrew Blyth Advocacy is personally committed to stand with our veterans. Our specialised veterans’ focussed advocacy services ensure they receive the respect, recognition and assistance they deserve.
- Industry Expertise
- Accredited Services
- Personalised Approach
- Commitment to Excellence
Mediation Examples
We won’t release the bond, because … aren’t you still the tenant?
Anthony*, a property manager, was surprised to hear that the tenant was claiming back the bond on a commercial space. Anthony was pretty sure the shop was still in business and doing well.
Mediation resolves a lockout, even after court proceedings initiated.
Diana*, a commercial tenant could not keep up with rent and outgoings after two years in the premises. The landlord locked her out in July, and in August sued in the Local Court for $64,000 plus ongoing costs until the loss was fully realised.
A profitable partnership survives a crisis.
Bhanu*, a doctor and shareholder in a medical practice, was concerned when he saw several transactions in the company bank accounts that he had not authorised, adding up to around $20,000. He found out that two companies, each owned by other doctors in the practice, had been invoicing for services that Bhanu was unaware of.
How a Sydney gym negotiated a rent reduction.
Anthony* was forced to shut down his Sydney gym when COVID first hit in March 2020. As gym memberships were being frozen during the lockdown period, he was also worried about a 100 per cent reduction in turnover and having to let many of his trainers and other staff go.
How a hairdresser negotiated a lease exit and settlement.
Lina*, a hairdresser, signed a lease agreement 10 months ago and began the fit-out process for a new salon. After receiving conditions from the Development Approval (DA), she found it difficult to meet the requirements. Because she was unable to open her salon she accumulated unpaid rent.
Finding your way through the hills and valleys of commercial relationships
Danika*, a landscaper, had an agreed scope of work on a property outside of Sydney, with time and materials to be paid for progressively.
A place to discuss the real issues and repair broken trust.
Nisha*, a commercial tenant, had been complaining that her lessor Trent* wanted to go back on his word. She claimed that Trent had ripped up the rent waiver agreement they entered at the beginning of the COVID pandemic and was forcing her out of business.
Ready for a Practical Solution? Let’s Mediate
If you are looking for a quicker, more cost-effective way to resolve your dispute, mediation might be the perfect fit. Get in touch today to find out how we can work together to reach an agreement that meets your needs and gets you back on track.