ADR and Civil Proceedings Reference

The final report

After extensive consultations and analysis of over 60 submissions received, NADRAC’s final report, The Resolve to Resolve: Embracing ADR to improve access to justice in the federal jurisdiction is now complete and available online.

The report contains 39 recommendations focusing on:

• strategies to encourage greater use of ADR;
• achieving greater consistency in ADR;
• improving public and professional awareness of ADR;
• mechanisms to provide quality ADR services;
• using ADR techniques in court and tribunal processes; and
• using ADR in government disputes

At the launch of the report at Parliament House on 4 November 2009, the Attorney-General warmly welcomed NADRAC’s ‘comprehensive report’, noting that it will provide a framework for future work by Government to increase the use of ADR in Australia.

Background

On 13 June 2008 the Attorney-General asked NADRAC to inquire into and identify strategies for litigants, the legal profession, tribunals and courts to remove barriers from and provide incentives to ensure greater use of ADR options as an alternative to civil proceedings and during the court or tribunal process. He also sought advice on initiatives government might take to support the recommended strategies, including legislative action.