Why This Symposium Matters: Learn from the Best in Early Dispute Resolution
- Shiv Martin
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Over the past several years, my work as a dispute resolution trainer and consultant has taken me behind the scenes of some of the most thoughtful, creative, and resilient conflict management teams across Australia and New Zealand. I’ve had the privilege of working with tribunals, commissions, ombudsman offices, and complaints handling bodies — each with its own unique challenges and solutions.
What’s made my dispute resolution practice stronger is not just teaching or advising — it’s been listening and learning. I’ve realised just how diverse, skilful, and innovative the field of early dispute resolution really is. The depth of insight, process design, and human-centred thinking I’ve encountered has been extraordinary. The conversations I’ve had with leaders in this space have shaped how I approach conflict, and I’ve learnt so much that I often find myself saying, “I wish more people could hear this.”
That’s what inspired the Early Dispute Resolution and Conciliation Symposium — a way to share those learnings more broadly and give other teams the opportunity to learn from each other, reflect on their own processes, and build something even better.
🔍 Why a Symposium Like This Is So Valuable
The most exciting part of my work — whether I’m consulting, training, or mediating — is the chance to see the inside of so many different organisations. I’ve worked with teams across a wide range of jurisdictions, and while each setting is unique, the challenges they face are strikingly similar:
Backlogs of cases waiting for resolution
Increased expectations from service users
Pressure to demonstrate fairness, transparency, and accessibility
The emotional toll of managing difficult conversations and complaints
Yet what continues to inspire me is the creativity and dedication with which these organisations respond to these challenges. From small tweaks in triage systems to major overhauls in intake models, I’ve seen teams trial new approaches, reimagine their systems, and build powerful early resolution pathways — often with limited budgets and enormous constraints.
The Symposium was designed to share these insights across sectors. To say, here’s what we’ve tried, here’s what worked (and what didn’t), and here’s how you might adapt it for your own team.
🔄 A Diversity of Models, A Shared Commitment to Resolution
One of the most powerful takeaways from the Symposium is that there’s no one-size-fits-all model for early dispute resolution. Each speaker brings a unique lens — shaped by their legislation, organisational structure, and community needs.
For example:
The Queensland Human Rights Commission will share how their process balances legal formality with flexible conciliation — providing options for parties to resolve matters without lengthy investigations.
The Fair Work Commission will explain its focus on triaging matters early and applying specialist knowledge to quickly direct disputes to the most appropriate resolution pathway.
The Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland has built strong informal resolution models, emphasising early engagement and sector-based knowledge to de-escalate complaints quickly.
The Information and Privacy Commission NSW will explore how dispute resolution is integrated into their regulatory framework, and how early resolution can improve both outcomes and trust.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (New Zealand) will share insights into how they manage a growing demand for their services despite limited resources.
These aren’t abstract theories. These are real teams working under pressure, often with difficult parties, designing systems that meet people where they are.
💬 Learning Together, Reflecting Locally
The Symposium isn’t just about listening to experts. It’s a space to learn together as a team.
We’ve designed the day so that each speaker’s session is followed by a break — giving your team time to talk, reflect, and apply the ideas to your own organisation. What would this look like in your intake process? Could a model used by another agency help you reduce your backlog or prevent escalation?
Whether you’re a tribunal officer, conciliator, complaints manager, or policy leader — the opportunity to pause and reflect on system design with your team is invaluable.
🧠 It’s Not Just About Process – It’s About Culture
One thing that stands out at every Symposium is how deeply the speakers care — not just about closing cases, but about building trust, protecting wellbeing, and empowering people to participate in resolving their own disputes.
That’s the real heart of early resolution and conciliation work. It’s not just a quicker way to deal with conflict — it’s a better way when done well. One that builds capability, reduces harm, and promotes fairness at every stage.
🎟️ Want to Join Us?
If your organisation is looking for ways to improve outcomes, reduce pressure on staff, and
strengthen your dispute resolution model, I’d love for you to join us.
The Early Dispute Resolution and Conciliation Symposium is fully online, designed for in-house participation, and packed with insights you can apply straight away.
It’s a rare chance to learn from the best — and bring those learnings back to your team.
To register or find out more, download the [brochure here] or get in touch directly. I’m happy to answer questions and work with you to make this event accessible for your team.
Ready to register for the event? Fill out this form:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shiv Martin is a nationally accredited mediator, practicing solicitor, conciliator, decision-maker, and certified vocational trainer. With extensive experience in complex dispute resolution, stakeholder engagement, and team building across business, community, and governmental sectors, Shiv brings over a decade of unique and diverse expertise in Law, Management, Vocational Education, and Mediation.
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