From 1 August 2022, the cost of mediation for each party to a dispute has been reduced from $608 to $330 (including GST). The fee allows for mediation of up to four hours. Additional hours, if required, are $152 per hour, per party.
NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont encouraged more small businesses, landlords and retail and commercial tenants to consider mediation as it very often resulted in a practical solution.
“Mediation has proven to be a highly efficient and effective way of resolving business disputes, saving businesses time and money,” Mr Lamont said.
The commission has also launched a new guide to mediation to help those considering the service to understand how the process works, what to expect and how to prepare for a mediation.
Victorian small businesses only have to pay $195 per session, with owner-driver and forestry contractors, and taxi, hire cars and rideshare driver and operator disputes attracting a lower level of $95 per party.
In South Australia, mediation costs $195, while in Queensland, both parties must each pay $175.
In 2021, more than 2,300 businesses applied for the commission’s mediation services in NSW that was lower than the 2020 figure that saw 2,500 applications, but Mr Lamont said demand for mediation services in the state is still above pre-COVID rates.
The most common disputes deal with retail lease disputes between tenants and landlords although Mr Lamont said there has been an increase in the number of business-to-business disputes.
