The Olive Branch Company

Mediation in New South Wales, Australia

Professional mediation services across New South Wales. We work remotely with clients throughout the region, providing expert guidance for conflict resolution with clarity, compassion and integrity.

The Olive Branch in New South Wales

The Olive Branch provides professional mediation services to clients in New South Wales and throughout Australia. Our experienced mediators work remotely to help you resolve disputes efficiently and effectively, saving you time, money, and relationships.

Whether you're dealing with commercial conflicts, family matters, or workplace disputes, we offer a neutral, confidential space where all parties can speak freely and work toward mutually beneficial solutions. Our approach is grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the challenges businesses and individuals face.

We understand that every dispute is unique. That's why we tailor our mediation process to your specific circumstances, ensuring that the resolution you reach is practical, lasting, and fair to everyone involved.

State Mediation Research

State Laws

Mediation in New South Wales operates under state legislation and the national Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The Family Law Act requires parties to attend Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) before applying to the Family Court for parenting orders. NSW has its own family mediation services. The Community Justice Centres (CJC) provide free community mediation services across NSW. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) encourages mediation. The Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW) encourage parties to consider alternative dispute resolution. Mediation is fundamentally voluntary and confidential.

Licensing Requirements

There is no statutory licensing requirement for mediators in NSW. However, professional accreditation is available through recognised bodies. The Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) provides national accreditation. The Australian Mediation Association (AMA) is a Recognised Accreditation Provider. Resolution Institute provides accreditation. For family dispute resolution, mediators must be registered as Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) with the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department. Continuing professional development must maintain accreditation.

Local Court Systems

NSW has a court system with the Supreme Court, District Court, Local Court, and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). The Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court have jurisdiction over family matters. NCAT handles many types of disputes and has strong mediation programmes. The Community Justice Centres (CJC) provide community mediation. Courts in NSW have ADR programmes and mediation schemes. Local courts may have specific mediation programmes and referral procedures.

Fee Structures

Commercial mediation in NSW costs approximately AUD $300-$600 per hour or daily rates of AUD $2,000-$4,000. Family mediation through the Community Justice Centres is free. Private family mediation typically costs AUD $150-$400 per hour. NCAT mediation is free for eligible matters. Costs are typically shared between parties unless otherwise agreed. Legal Aid may be available for family mediation in eligible cases. The cost savings compared to litigation are significant.

Bar Association Rules

The Law Society of New South Wales provides guidance on mediation for solicitors. Solicitors should advise clients about mediation as an alternative to court proceedings. The Law Society provides practice notes on mediation obligations. Solicitors must ensure clients understand the benefits and limitations of mediation. The Law Society offers information and resources on mediation. NSW solicitors follow both national and state guidance on mediation.

Regional Dispute Patterns

family mediation in Sydney metropolitan area, commercial disputes in Sydney CBD, construction disputes across NSW, employment mediation in urban areas, neighbourhood disputes in communities, strata disputes in apartment buildings, rural and regional disputes, mining and resources disputes

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Australia

Legal Framework

Mediation in Australia operates under a mixed framework of federal and state legislation. The Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) requires parties to attend family dispute resolution (such as mediation or conferencing) before applying to the Court for parenting orders. This compulsory requirement is known as Family Dispute Resolution (FDR). For commercial and civil mediation, there is no federal statutory framework, but state legislation may apply in certain jurisdictions. The Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) replaced the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS) on 1 July 2025, providing national standards for mediator accreditation. The AMDRAS Board is responsible for development and implementation of these standards. Mediation is fundamentally voluntary and confidential, operating on a without prejudice basis. Australia is a signatory to the Singapore Convention on Mediation (2019) and has ratified it.

Court System

Australian courts actively encourage and sometimes require mediation. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia requires parties to make a genuine effort to resolve disputes about children through Family Dispute Resolution before court proceedings, with limited exceptions. Courts have broad powers to adjourn proceedings to allow mediation. The compulsory pre-filing FDR requirement is strictly enforced in family law matters. For civil and commercial matters, courts may refer parties to mediation or encourage settlement discussions. Courts may consider costs orders where parties unreasonably refuse to mediate. State and territory courts have varying approaches to mediation, with some having court connected mediation programmes. The judiciary generally supports mediation as an efficient alternative to litigation.

Mediator Regulations

Mediator accreditation in Australia follows the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS), which replaced NMAS in 2025. The AMDRAS Board oversees the accreditation system. Recognised Accreditation Providers (RAPs) are approved to accredit mediators under AMDRAS. For family dispute resolution, practitioners must be registered as Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) with the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department under the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2025. FDRPs must meet specific qualification and training requirements. For other mediation areas (commercial, workplace, community), accreditation through AMDRAS is voluntary but increasingly expected for quality assurance. The Australian Mediation Association (AMA) is a Recognised Accreditation Provider. Continuing professional development must maintain accreditation.

Cultural Approach

Australian culture values pragmatic, practical solutions to disputes. There is a strong preference for avoiding adversarial court proceedings where possible. The Australian approach emphasises fairness, informality, and the 'fair go' mentality. Family mediation is particularly valued for its ability to help families reach amicable arrangements for children. In commercial contexts, the focus is on preserving business relationships and finding practical solutions. Australia's multicultural population influences mediation practices, with cultural sensitivity being important. The informal, direct communication style in Australian culture suits mediation well. The compulsory nature of FDR in family law reflects a societal expectation that parents should attempt to resolve disputes about children without court intervention.

Typical Costs

Mediation costs in Australia vary widely depending on the type of dispute, mediator experience, and location. Family Dispute Resolution through community-based organisations can be low-cost or free for eligible parties. Private family mediation typically costs between AUD $150-$400 per hour. Commercial mediators may charge AUD $300-$600 per hour or daily rates of AUD $2,000-$4,000. Court-connected mediation programmes may be subsidised or free. Legal Aid may be available for family mediation in eligible cases. Costs are typically shared between parties unless otherwise agreed. The cost savings compared to litigation are significant, with commercial mediation often costing 10-20% of litigation costs. The Australian Government provides some funding for family dispute resolution services through the Attorney-General's Department.

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Cities in New South Wales

Abbotsbury Abbotsford Abercrombie Aberdare Aberdeen Aberglasslyn Abermain Acacia Gardens Adamstown Adamstown Heights Airds Albion Park Albion Park Rail Albury Albury Municipality Aldavilla Alexandria Alfords Point Allambie Heights Allawah Alstonville Ambarvale Anna Bay Annandale Annangrove Appin Arcadia Arcadia vale Argenton Armidale Arncliffe Artarmon Ashbury Ashcroft Ashfield Ashmont Ashtonfield Asquith Auburn Austinmer Austral Avoca Beach Avondale Balgowlah Balgowlah Heights Balgownie Ballina Balmain Balmain East Balranald Bangalow Bangor Banksia Bankstown Banora Point Bar Beach Barden Ridge Bardia Bardwell Park Bardwell Valley Bargo Barham Barnsley Barooga Barraba Barrack Heights Basin View Bass Hill Bateau Bay Batehaven Batemans Bay Bathurst Bathurst Regional Bathurst city centre Batlow Baulkham Hills Bay View Beacon Hill Beaumont Hills Beecroft Bega Bega Valley Belfield Bella Vista Bellambi Bellbird Bellevue Hill Bellingen Belmont Belmont North Belmont South Belmore Belrose Bensville Berala Beresfield Berkeley Berkeley Vale Berkshire Park Bermagui Berowra Berowra Heights Berridale Berrigan Berry Beverley Park Beverly Hills Bexley Bexley North Bidwill Bilambil Heights Bilgola Plateau Bingara Birchgrove Birmingham Gardens Birrong Blackalls Park Blackbutt Blackett Blackheath Blacksmiths Blacktown Blackwall Blair Athol Blakehurst Bland Blaxland Blayney Bligh Park Blue Bay Blue Haven Blue Mountains Boambee Boambee East Bogan Bogangar Boggabri Bolton Point Bolwarra Heights Bomaderry Bombala Bondi Bondi Beach Bondi Junction Bonnells Bay Bonnet Bay Bonny Hills Bonnyrigg Bonnyrigg Heights Bonville Booker Bay Booragul Boorowa Bossley Park Botany Botany Bay Bourke Bourkelands Bow Bowing Bowen Mountain Bowenfels Bowral Bowraville Bradbury Braidwood Branxton Breakfast Point Brewarrina Brighton-Le-Sands Bringelly Broadmeadow Broken Hill Broken Hill Municipality Bronte Brookvale Broulee Brunswick Heads Budgewoi Buff Point Bulahdelah Bullaburra Bulli Bundanoon Bundeena Bungarribee Bungendore Buronga Burradoo Burraneer Burrill Lake Burwood Busby Buttaba Buxton Byron Bay Byron Shire Bywong Cabarita Cabonne Cabramatta Cabramatta West Caddens Calala Callaghan Callala Bay Cambewarra Village Cambridge Gardens Cambridge Park Camden Camden Haven Camden South Cameron Park Cammeray Campbelltown Campbelltown Municipality Camperdown Campsie Canada Bay Canley Heights Canley Vale Canowindra Canterbury Canton Beach Cardiff Cardiff Heights Cardiff South Caringbah Caringbah South Carlingford Carlton Carnes Hill Carramar Carrathool Carrington Carss Park Cartwright Carwoola Casino Castle Cove Castle Hill Castlecrag Castlereagh Casuarina Casula Catalina Catherine Field Caves Beach Cecil Hills Centennial Park Central Darling Cessnock Chain Valley Bay Charlestown Charmhaven Chatswood Chatswood West Cherrybrook Chester Hill Chifley Chinderah Chippendale Chipping Norton Chiswick Chittaway Bay City of Sydney Claremont Meadows Clarence Town Clarence Valley Claymore Clemton Park Clontarf Clovelly Coal Point Cobar Cobbitty Coffs Harbour Coleambally Colebee Coledale Collaroy Collaroy Plateau Colo Vale Colyton Como Concord Concord West Condell Park Condobolin Coniston Connells Point Constitution Hill Coogee Cooks Hill Coolah Coolamon Cooma Coonabarabran Coonamble Cooranbong Cootamundra Copacabana Coraki Cordeaux Heights Corindi Beach Corlette Corowa Corrimal Coutts Crossing Cowra Cranebrook Cremorne Cremorne Point Crescent Head Crestwood Cringila Cromer Cronulla Crookwell Crows Nest Croydon Culburra Beach Culcairn Cumbalum Cundletown Curl Curl Currans Hill Daceyville Dalmeny Dapto Darling Point Darlinghurst Darlington Darlington Point Davidson Davistown Dean Park Dee Why Denham Court Deniliquin Denistone Denistone East Denman Dharruk Dolls Point Doonside Dora Creek Dorrigo Double Bay Douglas Park Dover Heights Drummoyne Dubbo Dudley Dulwich Hill Dundas Valley Dunedoo Dungog Dural Eagle Vale Earlwood East Albury East Ballina East Branxton East Corrimal East Gosford East Hills East Jindabyne East Kempsey East Killara East Kurrajong East Lindfield East Lismore East Maitland East Ryde East Tamworth Eastlakes Eastwood Eden Edensor Park Edgecliff Edgeworth Edmondson Park Eglinton Elanora Heights Elderslie Eleebana Elermore Vale Elizabeth Bay Elizabeth Hills Ellalong Emerald Beach Emerton Empire Bay Emu Heights Emu Plains Engadine Enmore Epping Erina Ermington Erskine Park Erskineville Eschol Park Estella Ettalong Ettalong Beach Eulomogo Eurobodalla Evans Head Fairfield Fairfield East Fairfield Heights Fairfield West Fairlight Fairy Meadow Farmborough Heights Faulconbridge Fennell Bay Fern Bay Fern Hill Figtree Fingal Bay Finley Five Dock Fletcher Flinders Floraville Forbes Forest Hill Forest Lodge Forestville Forresters Beach Forster Frederickton Freemans Reach Frenchs Forest Freshwater Galston Garden Suburb Gateshead Georges Hall Georgetown Gerringong Gilgandra Gillieston Heights Girards Hill Girraween Gladesville Glebe Glen Alpine Glen Innes Glen Innes Severn Glenbrook Glendale Glendenning Glenfield Glenfield Park Glenhaven Glenmore Park Glenning Valley Glenorie Glenroy Glenwood Glossodia Gloucester Gol Gol Googong Goonellabah Gordon Gorokan Gosford Goulburn Goulburn Mulwaree Grafton Granville Grasmere Grays Point Greater Hume Shire Green Valley Greenacre Greenfield Park Greenwell Point Greenwich Gregory Hills Grenfell Greta Greystanes Griffith Grose Vale Guildford West Gulgong Gulmarrad Gundagai Gundaroo Gunnedah Guyra Gwandalan Gwydir Gwynneville Gymea Gymea Bay Haberfield Halekulani Hamilton Hamlyn Terrace Hammondville Hanwood Harrington Harrington Park Harris Park Hassall Grove Hawkesbury Hawks Nest Hay Haymarket Hazelbrook Heathcote Hebersham Heckenberg Heddon Greta Helensburgh Henty Hill Top Hillsdale Hillston Hillvue Hinchinbrook Hobartville Holbrook Holmesville Holroyd Holsworthy Homebush Homebush West Horningsea Park Hornsby Hornsby Heights Hornsby Shire Horsley Horsley Park Howlong Hoxton Park Hunters Hill Hunterview Hurlstone Park Hurstville Hurstville Grove Illawong Iluka Ingleburn Inverell Islington Jamberoo Jamisontown Jannali Jerilderie Jerrabomberra Jesmond Jewells Jilliby Jindabyne Jindera Jordan Springs Junction Hill Junee Kahibah Kanahooka Kandos Kanwal Kapooka Karabar Kareela Kariong Karuah Katoomba Kearns Keiraville Kellyville Kellyville Ridge Kelso Kemps Creek Kempsey Kendall Kensington Kenthurst Kew Kiama Kiama Downs Kilaben Bay Killara Killarney Heights Killarney Vale King Creek Kings Langley Kings Park Kingscliff Kingsford Kingsgrove Kingswood Park Kirrawee Kirribilli Kogarah Kogarah Bay Koonawarra Kooringal Kootingal Korora Kosciuszko National Park Kotara Kotara South Ku-ring-gai Kurnell Kurraba Point Kurrajong Heights Kurri Kurri Kyle Bay Kyogle Lachlan Lake Albert Lake Cargelligo Lake Cathie Lake Haven Lake Heights Lake Illawarra Lake Macquarie Shire Lake Munmorah Lakelands Lakemba Lakewood Lalor Park Lambton Lane Cove Lane Cove North Lane Cove West Lansvale Largs Lavington Lawrence Lawson Leeton Leichhardt Lemon Tree Passage Lennox Head Leonay Leppington Lethbridge Park Leumeah Leura Lewisham Liberty Grove Lidcombe Lightning Ridge Lilli Pilli Lilyfield Lindfield Lisarow Lismore Lismore Heights Lismore Municipality Lithgow Little Bay Liverpool Liverpool Plains Llanarth Llandilo Lockhart Loftus Londonderry Long Beach Long Jetty Longueville Lorn Luddenham Lugarno Lurnea Macksville Maclean Macmasters Beach Macquarie Fields Macquarie Hills Macquarie Links Macquarie Park Maitland Maitland Municipality Maitland city centre Malabar Malua Bay Mangerton Manilla Manly Manly Vale Mannering Park Maraylya Marayong Mardi Marks Point Maroubra Marrickville Marsfield Marulan Maryland Maryville Mascot Matraville Mayfield Mayfield East Mayfield West McGraths Hill McMahons Point Meadowbank Medowie Melrose Park Menai Menangle Merewether Merewether Heights Merimbula Merriwa Merrylands Merrylands West Metford Mid-Western Regional Middle Cove Middleton Grange Miller Millers Point Millthorpe Milperra Milsons Point Milton Minchinbury Minto Miranda Mitchell Mittagong Moama Mollymook Mollymook Beach Molong Mona Vale Monterey Moonbi Moonee Beach Moorebank Moree Moree Plains Morisset Morpeth Mortdale Mortlake Moruya Mosman Moss Vale Mount Annan Mount Austin Mount Colah Mount Druitt Mount Hutton Mount Keira Mount Kembla Mount Kuring-Gai Mount Lewis Mount Ousley Mount Pleasant Mount Pritchard Mount Riverview Mount Saint Thomas Mount Vernon Mount Warrigal Mudgee Mulgoa Mullumbimby Mulwala Murrumbateman Murrurundi Murwillumbah Muswellbrook Nabiac Nambucca Nambucca Heads Nambucca Shire Nana Glen Narara Narellan Narellan Vale Naremburn Narooma Narrabeen Narrabri Narrandera Narrawallee Narraweena Narromine Narwee Nelson Bay Neutral Bay New Lambton New Lambton Heights Newcastle Newcastle East Newcastle city centre Newington Newport Newtown Niagara Park Nimbin Noraville Normanhurst North Albury North Avoca North Balgowlah North Boambee Valley North Bondi North Curl Curl North Epping North Gosford North Haven North Lambton North Manly North Narrabeen North Nowra North Parramatta North Richmond North Rocks North Ryde North St Marys North Strathfield North Sydney North Tamworth North Turramurra North Wahroonga North Willoughby North Wollongong Northbridge Northmead Nowra Nowra Hill Nyngan Oak Flats Oakdale Oakhurst Oakville Oatlands Oatley Oberon Ocean Shores Old Bar Old Erowal Bay Old Guildford Old Toongabbie Oran Park Orange Orange Municipality Orangeville Orchard Hills Ourimbah Oxley Park Oxley Vale Oyster Bay Paddington Padstow Padstow Heights Pagewood Palm Beach Panania Parkes Parklea Parramatta Peak Hill Peakhurst Peakhurst Heights Pemulwuy Pendle Hill Pennant Hills Penrith Penrith Municipality Penshurst Petersham Phillip Picnic Point Picton Pitt Town Plumpton Point Clare Point Frederick Point Piper Pokolbin Port Hacking Port Kembla Port Macquarie Port Macquarie-Hastings Port Stephens Shire Portland Potts Point Pottsville Pottsville Beach Prairiewood Prestons Primbee Prospect Punchbowl Putney Pymble Pyrmont Quakers Hill Queanbeyan Queanbeyan East Queanbeyan West Queens Park Queenscliff Quirindi Raby Raglan Ramsgate Ramsgate Beach Randwick Rankin Park Rathmines Raworth Raymond Terrace Razorback Redfern Redhead Regents Park Revesby Revesby Heights Rhodes Richmond Richmond Valley Riverstone Riverview Riverwood Robertson Rockdale Rodd Point Rooty Hill Ropes Crossing Rose Bay Rosehill Roselands Rosemeadow Roseville Roseville Chase Rouse Hill Rozelle Ruse Rushcutters Bay Russell Lea Russell Vale Rutherford Rydalmere Ryde Sadleir Saint Ives Saint Peters Salamander Bay Salt Ash San Remo Sanctuary Point Sandringham Sandy Beach Sans Souci Sapphire Beach Saratoga Sawtell Schofields Scone Seaforth Sefton Seven Hills Shalvey Shell Cove Shellharbour Shelly Beach Shoal Bay Shoalhaven Heads Shoalhaven Shire Shortland Silverdale Silverwater Singleton Singleton Heights Skennars Head Smithfield Smiths Lake Soldiers Point Somersby South Albury South Bathurst South Bowenfels South Coogee South Grafton South Granville South Hurstville South Kempsey South Lismore South Murwillumbah South Nowra South Penrith South Tamworth South Turramurra South Wentworthville South West Rocks South Windsor Speers Point Spring Farm Springdale Heights Springvale Springwood St Andrews St Clair St Helens Park St Huberts Island St Ives Chase St Johns Park St Leonards St. Georges Basin Stanhope Gardens Stanmore Stanwell Park Stockton Strathfield Strathfield South Suffolk Park Summer Hill Summerland Point Sunshine Bay Surfside Surry Hills Sussex Inlet Sutherland Sutherland Shire Sutton Swansea Sydenham Sydney Sydney Central Business Sydney Olympic Park Sylvania Sylvania Waters Table Top Tahmoor Tamarama Tamworth Tamworth Municipality Tanilba Bay Taree Taren Point Tarrawanna Tarro Tascott Tathra Tatton Tea Gardens Telarah Telopea Temora Temora Municipality Tempe Tenambit Tennyson Point Tenterfield Tenterfield Municipality Teralba Terranora Terrigal Terry Hills The Entrance The Entrance North The Hill The Hills Shire The Junction The Oaks The Ponds The Rock The Rocks Thirlmere Thirroul Thornleigh Thornton Thurgoona Tighes Hill Tingira Heights Tinonee Tocumwal Tolland Tomakin Tomerong Toongabbie Toormina Toronto Toukley Towradgi Trangie Tregear Tuggerawong Tumbarumba Tumbi Vmbi Tumut Tuncurry Tura Beach Tuross Head Turramurra Turrella Turvey Park Tweed Tweed Heads Tweed Heads South Tweed Heads West Ulladulla Ultimo Umina Beach Unanderra Upper Hunter Shire Upper Lachlan Shire Uralla Urunga Valentine Valla Beach Valley Heights Vaucluse Villawood Vincentia Vineyard Voyager Point Wadalba Wagga Wagga Wahroonga Waitara Wakeley Walcha Walgett Wallacia Wallalong Wallerawang Wallsend Wamberal Wamboin Wangi Wangi Warabrook Waratah Waratah West Wareemba Warialda Warilla Warners Bay Warragamba Warrawee Warrawong Warren Warren Shire Warriewood Warrimoo Warrumbungle Shire Warwick Farm Watanobbi Waterview Heights Wattle Grove Wattle Ponds Wauchope Waverley Waverton Weddin Wee Waa Wellington Wentworth Wentworth Falls Wentworth Point Wentworthville Werrington Werrington County Werrington Downs Werris Creek West Albury West Ballina West Bathurst West Gosford West Haven West Hoxton West Kempsey West Nowra West Pennant Hills West Pymble West Ryde West Tamworth West Wallsend West Wollongong West Wyalong Westdale Westleigh Westmead Wetherill Park Whalan Wheeler Heights Whitebridge Wickham Wilberforce Wiley Park Williamtown Willmot Willoughby Willoughby East Wilton Windale Windang Windradyne Windsor Windsor Downs Wingecarribee Wingham Winmalee Winston Hills Wolli Creek Wollondilly Wollongbar Wollongong Wollongong city centre Wollstonecraft Woodberry Woodbine Woodcroft Woodford Woodpark Woodrising Woolgoolga Woollahra Woolloomooloo Woolooware Woongarrah Woonona Woronora Woronora Heights Worrigee Woy Woy Wyee Wyee Point Wyoming Wyong Wyongah Yagoona Yamba Yarravel Yarrawarrah Yass Yass Valley Yenda Yennora Yerrinbool Yoogali Young Yowie Bay Zetland Rosebery Yallah Banksmeadow Whale Beach Huntingwood

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