Mediation Institute Welcomes our Inaugural Leading Mediators
Mediation Institute is proud to announce that Peter Johnstone and Darren Clark have achieved Leading Mediator accreditation under the Australian Mediation Dispute Resolution Accreditation System (AMDRAS) — the first practitioners to reach this level of recognition through Mediation Institute.
Leading Mediator is the highest level of accreditation within AMDRAS, recognising experienced mediators who have demonstrated exceptional depth of practice, a sustained commitment to developing others, and genuine leadership within the mediation community — whether across a particular field, region, or the profession as a whole.
About Peter Johnstone
- Peter Johnstone brings more than 30 years of experience in mediation and conflict management, having served in leadership roles at the Dispute Resolution Branch of the Queensland Department of Justice, the Health Quality and Complaints Commission, QCAT, and the Queensland Department of Education.
- Peter was a founding committee member in the development of the National Mediator Accreditation System, has held academic appointments at Griffith University and QUT, and has trained and mentored hundreds of mediators throughout his career.
- His work with the Queensland Department of Education earned two ADC National Innovation Awards in 2021 and 2025.
About Darren Clark
- Darren Clark is a nationally accredited mediator and Principal Facilitator (Dispute Mediator) at the Queensland Department of Education, where he provides mediation and conflict resolution services across more than 1,600 state schools.
- Over his 16-year career Darren has practised across civil and commercial matters, elder law, neighbourhood disputes, retail shop leases, education disputes, and culturally diverse and neurodiverse parties.
- He has trained COT students, assessed COA candidates, and established a Community of Practice for government mediators across Queensland — recognised with ADC National Innovation Awards in 2021 and 2025.
Work with Mediation Institute
Both Peter and Darren work with Mediation Institute as AMDRAS Assessors, contributing to the assessment of mediators seeking national accreditation. They have also collaborated with Mediation Institute in the development of our AMDRAS Practicum Certificate Course — a highly engaging and interactive program that supports mediators on their pathway to Advanced Mediator accreditation.
Both Peter and Darren work with Mediation Institute as AMDRAS Assessors, contributing to the assessment of mediators seeking national accreditation. They have also collaborated with Mediation Institute in the development of our AMDRAS Practicum Certificate Course — a highly engaging and interactive program that supports mediators on their pathway to Advanced Mediator accreditation.
The Assessment Panel
Peter and Darren were assessed by an independent panel under Special Framework 3 (AMDRAS cl 16c). We extend our sincere thanks to volunteer panel members Jo-Anne McNamara and Rand Faied of the AMDRAS Leading Mediator Application Review Panel, who conducted the assessments with rigour, care and independence on 5 May 2026.
Interested in joining the AMDRAS Leading Mediator Application Review Panel as a volunteer panel member? Learn more at mediationinstitute.edu.au/leading-mediator-application-review-panel.
How to Apply for Leading Mediator Accreditation
Leading Mediator is available to experienced practitioners who meet the criteria under Special Framework 3 until 30 June 2031.
You may be eligible if you:
- Have held AMDRAS or NMAS accreditation for at least 10 years
- Have 400+ practice hours since accreditation, including 250+ hours in the preceding 6 years
- Hold current Advanced Mediator accreditation or a Practicum Certificate
- Have an ongoing commitment to training, mentoring or supervising other Registered Practitioners
- Can provide two written references attesting to your practice and leadership
- Are willing to participate in a panel interview
There is no fee for the administration and review of Leading Mediator nominations. This is Mediation Institute's contribution to recognising leadership in the profession. Panel members give their time as volunteers.
Applications are assessed by an independent panel. The panel convenes monthly when applications are received.
Apply for Leading Mediator Accreditation →Not yet an Advanced Mediator? You may be eligible to complete your Practicum Certificate via the standard workshop or the alternative pathway.