Conciliation Conferences

A conciliation conference may be conducted by the Tribunal who considers the case from both sides and can help the parties make a genuine effort to solve their dispute.

The Tribunal will in most cases commence proceedings by calling a compulsory conciliation conference and require nominated persons to attend. 

The Tribunal may issue a summons to attend conciliation proceedings under section 33ZZG of the Police Act 1892.

Conciliation conferences are private and are conducted on a 'without prejudice' basis. This means that what is discussed at a conciliation conference cannot be used against one of the parties if the matter goes to hearing. This allows the parties to explore possible settlement options without fear of the other side using any offers or concessions made at the conference as an admission to various aspects of a claim. The conference is not recorded, and no transcript is produced. Any visual or audio recording is strictly prohibited. An agreement may be reached during or after the conference, the parties have control over the outcome before the matter reaches the hearing stage. In contrast, if the matter goes to hearing, the Tribunal will decide the outcome of the matter.

For more information please read the Commission’s conciliation conference fact sheet by clicking here.

Possible outcomes of conciliation

• An agreement may be reached during or after the conference.
• If an agreement is not reached, the Tribunal may hold further conferences depending on the circumstances, or list the matter for hearing.