Conciliation conference (tribunal and court dispute resolution)

A conciliation conference is a without-prejudice meeting facilitated by a tribunal member or court commissioner, held before a formal hearing, where parties try to resolve a dispute by agreement. Discussions are confidential; if agreement is reached, the facilitator records it and it becomes the binding decision. If not, the matter proceeds to a hearing before a different member.

NSW Land and Environment Court (Class 1 appeals): under s34 of the Land and Environment Court Act 1979, the court arranges a conference for Class 1 merit appeals. A commissioner with technical expertise presides. If parties agree, the commissioner disposes of the matter on those terms (verified 2026-06-11, lec.nsw.gov.au). Under s34AA, residential development appeals that fail conciliation must be immediately adjudicated by the same commissioner. The most common resolution is an amended design that satisfies council’s concerns.

Victoria (VCAT): compulsory conferences are mandatory for planning and building matters. If agreement is reached, consent orders are issued. If not, a different VCAT member hears the case (verified 2026-06-11, vcat.vic.gov.au).

Queensland (QCAT): domestic building disputes must first go through the QBCC process; if unresolved, QCAT may list for a compulsory conference before a hearing (verified 2026-06-11, qcat.qld.gov.au).

For a builder: go in with options, not fixed positions. An amended design that addresses the objecting party’s core concern ends the matter months earlier and far cheaper than a hearing. Get advice on any agreed amendments before signing off.

Also known as: s34 conference (NSW), compulsory conference (VIC/QLD), section 34 conciliation.

Category: Dispute resolution procedure.

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