Mi Feedback or Complaint Notification Form
Please click the button to open our online form to initiate the feedback or complaint process.
You can also call Mediation Institute on 1300 781 533
Mediation Institute Independent Complaint Handling Service
Mediation Institute provides independent complaint handling for dispute resolution professionals and training organisations.
Mediator complaint handling is membership-based for:
- Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners
- AMDRAS Accredited Mediators
- Family Group Conference Facilitators
Scroll down for more Information or to make a complaint about a mediator or other dispute resolution practitioner member.
Training Organisation compliant handling is subscription-based for:
- Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s)
- Higher Education training providers
- and other training providers who want an independent complaint handling service. Find out more.
Principles we apply
The complaint handling process is designed to be:
- Efficient and Effective – timely and proportionate responses to minimise the risk of harm.
- Fair and Independent – impartial complaint managers are appointed following conflict of interest checks if there are grounds for a detailed investigation.
- Transparent – clear information about the process and outcomes is provided at every stage.
- Confidentiality – information is handled securely, with disclosure only as required for fairness in the process, our obligations as an approved complaint handling body or if required by law.
We also analyse complaint trends and report systematic issues to regulators and the Attorney Generals Department or the AMDRAS board where required, supporting ongoing improvements in professional standards.
Making a Complaint about a dispute resolution professional
Complaint Handling Process
Timeframes:
- Complaints are acknowledged within 2 business days.
- A preliminary assessment is completed within 10 business days.
- Where possible, complaints are resolved within 30 days. Complex matters may take longer, but you will be kept updated.
Procedural Fairness:
- Both the complainant and the practitioner will have the opportunity to engage with the process.
- All complaints are assessed against the relevant obligations:
- Family Law Act 1975 and the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2025 for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners providing Family Law related services.
- The AMDRAS Standards for AMDRAS Accredited Mediators.
- Mediation Institute Code of Ethics for Family Group Conference Facilitators.
The Mediation Institute Code of Ethics will be consulted as required for all complaint investigations.
Making a Complaint
If it is safe to do so, we encourage you to first raise your concern directly with the practitioner.
If this does not resolve your concern, or you do not feel able to raise it directly:
Contact Mediation Institute on 1300 781 533, or
Use our Complaint Form.
We will confirm with you before releasing any information to the practitioner. Anonymous complaints may be accepted if enough detail is provided to allow a fair investigation.
Outcomes and Reporting
Possible outcomes of a complaint include:
Clarification or explanation
Remedial action for the member such as education, supervision, further training.
Disciplinary action such as suspension or cancellation of membership.
FDR Practitioners Only – Reporting to the Attorney-General’s Practitioner Registration Unit, where required by law and our obligations as an approved complaint handling body.
AMDRAS Accredited Mediators Only – Reporting to the AMDRAS Board, where required to by the AMDRAS Standards as a Recognised Accreditation Provider.
Mediation Institute treats complaints as opportunities for learning and systemic improvement, not just individual resolution.
External Review Options
If you remain dissatisfied after our process is complete, you may seek external review by:
The Attorney-General’s Practitioner Registration Unit, and/or
The AMDRAS Board under clause 83 of the AMDRAS Standards.
We will provide information on these options when communicating our decision.
Resources and Downloads
How to Make a Complaint
This guide outlines how to raise a concern about Mediation Institute Members or our services.
Overview
The Mediation Institute FDRP Complaint Handling Policy outlines our commitment to providing an independent, fair, and efficient process for managing complaints made about registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) members.
This policy ensures alignment with the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2025, the Mediation Institute Complaint Handling Policy, and best practice guidelines for complaints management.
Key features of the policy include:
Accessibility: Complaints can be made via phone, email, letter, or online form, with reasonable accommodations available to support all complainants.
Transparency: Clear information is provided at each stage of the process, including how complaints are managed, assessed, and resolved.
Fairness and Independence: Complaints are managed by impartial Complaint Managers following conflict-of-interest checks, with rights to respond and review respected for all parties.
Outcomes and Reporting: Outcomes may include education, supervision, disciplinary actions, and reporting to the Attorney-General’s Practitioner Registration Unit where required.
Continuous Improvement: Complaint trends are monitored and analysed to inform improvements in services, professional standards, and systems.
The policy applies to:
Complaints from clients and third parties about Mediation Institute FDRP members,
Situations where Mediation Institute receives complaints about individuals holding themselves out as FDRPs,
Matters falling within the defined FDRP practice scope.
Mediation Institute views complaints as opportunities for learning and enhancement of the services we and our members provide, supporting excellence and public trust in family dispute resolution practice.
Overview
The Mediation Institute AMDRAS Complaint Handling Policy and Procedure outlines the commitment of Mediation Institute (Mi) to providing an accessible, fair, and effective system for managing complaints relating to Registered Practitioners accredited under the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS).
This policy ensures alignment with the AMDRAS Standards, the Mediation Institute Complaint Handling Policy, and recognised best practice guidelines for complaint management.
Key features of the policy include:
Accessibility: Clear information about how to lodge a complaint, with reasonable accommodations provided where needed.
Fairness and Impartiality: Complaints are handled objectively, with conflict-of-interest checks, and clear separation between investigators and the subjects of complaints.
Structured Process: A staged approach to complaint handling ensures early resolution where possible, escalating to internal review or external review (AMDRAS Board) where required.
Confidentiality: Information is handled securely and disclosed only as necessary for investigation, decision-making, or regulatory compliance.
Outcomes and Reporting: Complaint outcomes may result in professional development actions, accreditation conditions, suspension, or cancellation. Required reporting to the AMDRAS Board is conducted in accordance with the Standards.
Continuous Improvement: Complaint data is systematically recorded, analysed, and reported to senior management and the AMDRAS Board to drive service and system improvements.
Mediation Institute views complaints as critical feedback that enhances professional standards, client safety, and service quality across the dispute resolution sector.
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Overview
The Mediation Institute Complaint Handling Policy and Procedure outlines the commitment of Mediation Institute (Mi) to providing an accessible, fair, and effective system for managing complaints relating to Family Group Conference Facilitators.
This policy ensures alignment with the Mediation Institute Code of Ethics, and recognised best practice guidelines for complaint management.
Key features of the policy include:
Accessibility: Clear information about how to lodge a complaint, with reasonable accommodations provided where needed.
Fairness and Impartiality: Complaints are handled objectively, with conflict-of-interest checks, and clear separation between investigators and the subjects of complaints.
Structured Process: A staged approach to complaint handling ensures early resolution where possible and escalating to internal review.
Confidentiality: Information is handled securely and disclosed only as necessary for investigation, decision-making, or regulatory compliance.
Outcomes and Reporting: Complaint outcomes may result in professional development actions, renewal conditions, suspension, or cancellation of membership. There are no formal reporting requirements for FGC Facilitators.
Continuous Improvement: Complaint data is systematically recorded, analysed, and used for professional development and system improvements.
Mediation Institute views complaints as critical feedback that enhances professional standards, client safety, and service quality across the dispute resolution sector.
Mediation Institute Complaint Handling Policy
This document contains the following parts:
- Overview
- Principles
- Complaint Handling Process
- Additional Information and Procedures
Mediation Institute Ethical Standards for Dispute Resolution Practitioner Members
This document contains information about the Mediation Institute Code of Ethics and Conduct for Dispute Resolution Practitioner Members.
Mediation Institute complaint handling service deals with any complaints, appeals or grievances related to a member of our independent complaint handling services.
This includes dispute resolution professionals such as NMAS / AMDRAS Accredited Mediators, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners, Family Group Conference Facilitators and others.
We can also provide one off mediation services for organisations and will accept complaints about accredited and non-accredited dispute resolution practitioners or training organisations who you are unable to find a complaint handling service for.
No. Mediation Institute is not a Government Funded Service.
Our Complaint Handling Service is designed to prevent issues from escalating inappropriately to government tribunals. This allows them to be resolved quicker, more collaboratively and without the cost and sleepless nights that come with formal court or tribunal processes.
Dispute Resolution Professionals
Our Independent Complaint Handling Service is offered as a part of our dispute resolution practitioner members accreditation and provides independent dispute resolution professionals with an independent third party organisation to work with them and with complainants in an effort to resolve conflicts over services or any other aspect of their mediation practice.
If a complaint about a Mediator or Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner is substantiated and the practitioner has behaved in a way that is illegal or unethical there may be further consequences such as NMAS de-accreditation, a report to the Australian Attorney Generals Department and a report to the appropriate authorities.
Training Providers
Our Independent Complaint Handling Service is offered to Registered Training Providers (RTO’s) as part of the standards for RTO’s and provides independent dispute resolution services for complaints within their organisations from students, staff, contractors and other situations where internal processes have not been able to resolve the issue.
If a complaint about a Training Provider is substantiated and the provider has behaved in an illegal or unethical way there may be further consequences such as de-registration or a report to the appropriate authorities.
No. Mediation Institute is a Recognised Accreditation Provider and our obligation is to uphold the standards for Members.
We are also approved for complaint handling by the Australian Attorney Generals Department.
Our mission is to train, educate and support dispute resolution practitioners to provide quality, ethical services. If a complaint identifies that a member has acted inappropriately we can, will and have taken action.
Acceptance and preliminary review of complaints is free for members and complainants. Find out more about joining Mediation Institute.
Should additional services be required to resolve the dispute a Complaint Manager will be allocated, and their fees are due and payable.
Unless specified at the time of engagement of your professional services or training product fees for external dispute resolution services are payable by the Mediator or Training Provider in order to prevent any perception that cost is being used as a barrier to prevent complaints about your services.
The cost will depend on the services provided.
There is no cost to lodge a complaint about a Mediation Institute Member.
If you have a concern about a dispute resolution practitioner or registered training provider that you believe may be a member contact us to discuss your concerns.