New South Wales Consolidated Acts

FARM DEBT MEDIATION ACT 1994 - SECT 14

14 Conduct of mediation sessions

(1) The procedure for commencing and conducting a mediation session is to be as determined by the Authority.

(1A) Without limiting subsection (1), a mediator may:

(a) call a pre-mediation conference, and

(b) adjourn a mediation session if it appears that a party would be significantly disadvantaged because of the length of the session.

(2) Mediation sessions are to be conducted with as little formality and technicality, and with as much expedition, as possible.

(3) The rules of evidence do not apply to mediation sessions.

(4) A mediation session is not open to the public.

(5) Persons who are not parties to a mediation session:

(a) may be present at or participate in the session in an advisory or representative capacity if authorised to do so under section 17, or

(b) may otherwise be present at or participate in the session with the permission of the mediator.