Changes to mediator accreditation from 1 July 2024

13/06/2024

From 1 July 2024, the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) will replace the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS). More about this change can be found on the Mediator Standards Board’s website, here and here.

Under the NMAS to AMDRAS Transitional Rules, all NMAS Accredited Mediators will automatically become Registered Practitioners under the AMDRAS until their current NMAS accreditation expires or 31 December 2025 (whichever is later).

The Bar Council recently resolved that the Association will withdraw its membership of the Mediator Standards Board upon commencement of the AMDRAS. From 1 July, members who wish to obtain or renew mediator accreditation are therefore encouraged to apply to other bodies operating under the AMDRAS.

In place of issuing mediator accreditations, the Association will establish the BarADR Mediator Accreditation Recognition Scheme. Under the BarADR recognition scheme, members accredited under the AMDRAS will be eligible to apply for recognition by the Association. This will entitle members to be included on the General Accredited Mediators List and on the mediator lists provided to the NSW Supreme Court and the NSW District Court on an annual basis. No fee will be charged for mediator recognition. Applications for recognition under the Bar ADR Mediator Accreditation Recognition Scheme will be invited on a biannual basis via InBrief, commencing in August 2024.

If you have any questions about how these changes will impact you, please contact BarADR at baradr@nswbar.asn.au.