Getting Started
Let's Get Started
Before you consider launching a dispute process you need to carefully weigh the following factors.
- What are the potential consequences for your happiness in the community?
- Are your expectations for the outcome (dispute resolution) reasonable?
- Have you offered or received 'procedural fairness?'
What is Procedural Fairness?
Procedural fairness requires that a person be given a fair hearing before a decision adversely affecting the person’s rights and interests is made. More specifically, it requires that a decision-maker give the person:
- reasonable notice that an adverse decision may be made
- notice of the specific, critical issue or issues on which the decision is likely to turn
- information about any adverse, relevant or credible evidence that has been obtained from other persons
- a fair opportunity to directly address those critical issues.
Procedural fairness then requires the decision-maker to genuinely consider the person’s submissions with an open mind and without prejudgement or any form of bias.
Excerpt from: https://www.ombudsman.qld.gov.au/improve-public-administration/blog/what-is-procedural-fairness-casebook-examples
Talk & Discuss
Generally, taking some time out to understand the other persons (or partys’) viewpoint can avoid most disputes. Often lack of clear first hand information or documented processes (protocols) can be the source of disputes.
- Make a phone call and make time for a cuppa and chat.
- If, afterwards you feel it was unfruitful then you might consider Dispute Resolution options.