30. Referral of cases to Community Mediation Centre, etc.

Despite any written law, the Registrar or a tribunal judge may refer a claim commenced in a tribunal to a Community Mediation Centre or to any other person for mediation, with or without the consent of the parties to the claim, if the Registrar or tribunal judge is satisfied that there is a reasonable prospect that the parties will be able to resolve the claim through mediation.

In considering whether there is a reasonable prospect that the parties will be able to resolve the claim through mediation under subsection (1), the Registrar or tribunal judge is to consider whether the parties have previously attempted to resolve the matter through mediation.

The Registrar or tribunal judge may, in making a referral under subsection (1), order all or any of the parties to the claim to attend (personally or by a representative permitted under section 14 of the Community Mediation Centres Act 1997 or under a prescribed written law) before a mediator of a Community Mediation Centre or any other person —

Any person who fails to comply with the Registrar’s or tribunal judge’s order made under subsection (2) commits contempt of court and action may be taken against that person under the Administration of Justice (Protection) Act 2016.