Mediation Careers Explained: Who’s Hiring, What Roles Exist, and Where to Begin
Australia has a well-established mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) sector. Organisations across the public sector, private businesses, and community services engage professionals with mediation skills, whether their titles are “mediator,” “conciliator,” “case manager,” or “complaint handler.”
These roles exist in a wide range of settings, including family law, neighbourhood mediation, workplaces, commercial disputes, health care, education, and public complaints. Many professionals who work in mediation don’t have the job title “mediator,” but they still help people find solutions through structured, neutral processes.
In this article, we outline the role of mediators in Australia, provide examples across various sectors, and highlight emerging international opportunities.
Mediation in the Public Sector
The public sector employs mediators in courts, tribunals, commissions, and ombudsman services. These roles help resolve disputes more quickly and fairly, often avoiding the need for a court hearing.
The Federal Court of Australia refers most civil cases—including those involving corporate law, contracts, and Indigenous land matters—to mediation, typically led by Judicial Registrars.
State and territory courts run similar programs with internal or external accredited mediators.
In family law, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia encourage parties to attempt Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) before proceeding to court.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and National Native Title Tribunal also use mediation processes to settle matters early.
Government agencies apply mediation in specific areas:
The Fair Work Commission uses mediators to handle workplace disputes.
The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) assists people in resolving discrimination complaints through conciliation.
University ombudsmen frequently employ mediators when addressing complaints from students.
Community Mediation and Restorative Justice
Some state governments provide community mediation to resolve local issues before they escalate. While NSW Community Justice Centres are due to close in 2025, other states continue this important work:
Interact Community Dispute Resolution Service (ICDRS) is a national online mediation service that helps neighbours and communities resolve disputes in a constructive and accessible way.
These services often provide free or low-cost mediation for neighbourhood, family, and civil matters. They play a key role in preventing legal action and supporting peaceful community outcomes. ICDRS, in particular, offers flexible online mediation, making support available to people in regional and remote areas across Australia.
Restorative justice programs also rely on trained mediators, especially in youth justice contexts. Facilitators guide structured conversations between victims and offenders to repair harm and rebuild trust. Government justice departments or community organisations usually run these programs, which require practitioners to use trauma-informed practices and clear communication skills.
Private Sector Roles and ADR Firms
Many mediators work in the private sector as consultants or through firms that specialise in workplace, commercial, or family mediation. Others are hired on a contract basis by businesses or government departments.
Key private providers include:
Immediation, an online platform that connects clients with mediators across different areas
Industry Expert Mediators
In fields such as construction, technology, and intellectual property, companies often engage mediators who also possess technical expertise. For example, a construction dispute may be mediated by an accredited engineer. Industry bodies, consultancies, or law firms often manage these arrangements.
In sectors such as agribusiness and environmental planning, mediators help resolve issues including water allocation, land access, and environmental impacts. These cases often involve multiple stakeholders and require specialised knowledge.
Mediation Institute maintains a national directory of accredited mediators who operate in private practice. While we don’t employ mediators directly, we play an active role in helping professionals build their practices by connecting them with people and organisations seeking mediation services.
Many companies also utilise internal mediators, particularly in Human Resources or Employee Relations teams, to resolve workplace conflicts. Others rely on external Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to provide mediation as part of staff wellbeing support.
External Dispute Resolution: Industry Ombudsman Schemes
Another area of work for mediators is in industry-funded external dispute resolution schemes. These organisations help customers and companies resolve complaints without going to court.
Examples include:
They employ dispute resolution officers who use mediation and conciliation techniques to resolve issues efficiently and informally.
Not-for-Profit Sector and Family Mediation
Not-for-profit organisations provide a large share of family mediation services in Australia. Funded by the government, Family Relationship Centres (FRCs) help separating parents reach parenting and property agreements without the need for court action.
Key providers include:
These organisations employ accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs). Other community legal centres and multicultural services also offer free or low-cost mediation, especially for tenancy, elder care, and culturally sensitive family matters.
International Pathways for Australian Mediators
Australian mediators increasingly work across borders. Many join international panels or provide online services for cross-border disputes.
Global opportunities include:
ISS Australia runs a cross-border family mediation service for parenting and relocation matters.
Organisations like Mediators Beyond Borders Oceania (MBBO) offer opportunities to support community and Indigenous-led peacebuilding initiatives in the Pacific region.
Australia’s signing of the Singapore Convention on Mediation strengthens these opportunities by making international mediation outcomes more enforceable.
Accreditation and Standards
To work as a professional mediator in Australia, individuals must meet the national standards set by the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS), formerly known as the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS).
Anyone can search the National Register of Accredited Mediators to confirm a mediator’s credentials. As of July 2025, the register will be accessible on the AMDRAS website.
The Future of Mediation Work in Australia
Mediation is a growing profession in Australia. Mediators work in many different settings, helping people and organisations resolve conflicts and reach lasting agreements—whether it’s a family separation or a business dispute.
As more workplaces, communities, and government services turn to mediation to resolve problems, the demand for qualified mediators continues to increase. With proper training, national accreditation, and a strong ethical approach, mediation can offer a meaningful and fulfilling career path.
To learn more about training or to connect with an accredited mediator, visit Mediation Institute.
