Page 1771 - Week 05 - Thursday, 11 May 2017

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deliver better outcomes for the people involved. Conflict Resolution Service seeks to resolve disputes by means of mediation. Trained mediators meet with those involved in a conflict to help them identify the issues, think of ways to resolve these issues, consider alternatives and then work together to reach an agreement.

Mediators do not take sides or sit in judgement but instead simply facilitate the mediation process. Common disputes handled by mediators at Conflict Resolution Service include neighbourhood disputes, such as those involving pets, fences and noise; disputes within and between families, including those involving youth; workplace disputes; and commercial and small business disputes. In each case, the goal is to find productive solutions to conflicts that will satisfy all involved parties and prevent the situation from escalating or dragging on.

Without such mediation, many of these conflicts will end up seriously harming some or all of the parties involved and frequently require expensive legal action. Resolving conflicts creates a better society for all Canberrans to live in. These alternative dispute resolution processes help prevent such conflicts from clogging up our already overstretched courts, saving significant sums of money and allowing the justice system to focus on cases that genuinely require litigation.

This is a win for the parties involved, a win for the Canberra community at large, and a win for the ACT government and our justice system. Persons may contact Conflict Resolution Service for free if they wish to seek advice or discuss ways that clients can resolve disputes themselves. Mediation is also free for disputes involving a neighbourhood, family, friends and adolescents.

This service is likewise provided without charge for those on a low income regardless of what types of issues are involved. In all other situations, charges are based on a sliding scale of gross income. This arrangement removes any cost barriers to those in need of mediation.

The time for the debate having expired

The Assembly adjourned at 7.27 pm until Tuesday, 6 June, at 10 am.


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