Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2002

The compulsory conference may be held with a mediator if all parties agree.

An agreement that the compulsory conference is to be held with a mediator must specify how the costs of the mediation are to be borne.

The mediator must be a person independent of the parties—

agreed to by the parties; or

nominated by the registrar of the court on application under subsection (4).

If the parties are unable to agree on the appointment of a mediator within 30 days after the day for the compulsory conference is fixed, any party may apply to the registrar of the court for the nomination of a mediator.

A person authorised by a party to settle the claim on the party’s behalf may participate in the conference as a party.

Each party must, unless the party has a reasonable excuse, attend the compulsory conference and actively participate in an attempt to settle the claim.

The compulsory conference may be conducted, if the parties agree, by using any technology that reasonably allows the parties to hear and take part in discussions as they happen.

The parties may, by agreement, change the time or place for holding the compulsory conference or adjourn the compulsory conference from time to time and from place to place.