QCAT seeking mediators for panel

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal is calling for applications from qualified mediators to be appointed to a new QCAT Mediators Panel.

The panel will comprise accredited mediators, with experience suitable for and commensurate with the nature of the matters to be mediated. The panel is intended to extend to junior mediators in respect of appropriate matters.

Parties to matters before QCAT will, where appropriate, be encouraged to mediate their matters and will be notified of the existence of the QCAT Mediators Panel.

Before being appointed to the panel, mediators will be required to nominate their mediation fees, with contact details, which will form part of the information available to parties. This will assist some parties in their selection of the mediation.

At this stage, the type of matters which may be referred for mediation include:

• Building disputes under the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (Qld);
• Anti-discrimination matters under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld);
• Motor vehicle disputes under the consumer law;
• Elder law under the Guardian and Administration Act 2000 (Qld) and the Powers of Attorney Act 1998 (Qld);
• Retail Shop Lease disputes under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (Qld);
• Body Corporate disputes under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (Qld);
• Manufactured Home disputes under the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 (Qld);
• Retirement Village disputes under the Retirement Villages Act 1999 (Qld).

The list may grow depending on the success of the mediation program.

Applicants must be qualified Australian legal practitioners and members of either the Bar Association of Queensland or the Queensland Law Society.

They must also:

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• Have satisfactorily completed a nationally recognised mediation training course of not less than four days (or 28 hours if comprised of more than one mediation workshop with no more than nine months between workshops);
• Hold current national mediation accreditation;
• Have a minimum of two years mediation experience;
• Have expertise and knowledge in one of the above areas of jurisdiction.

Applications should be forwarded to Rachel.nibbs@justice.qld.gov.au.by 5pm on Friday, 28 February 2025.