From the Ombudsman Kate Carnell AO
The Office of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ĆŪĢŅ“«Ć½) received a request for assistance from a small business that is in dispute with BNG Logistics Australia Pty Ltd (Bait'N'Go).
After unsuccessful attempts at pre-meditation, under subsection 71(4) of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Act 2015, our Office recommended the parties attend mediation in order to resolve the matter.
Despite this recommendation, µž²¹¾±³ŁāNāG“Ē did not fully engage in an arranged mediation, and has refused to attend a subsequent mediation.
I am extremely disappointed in µž²¹¾±³ŁāNāG“Ēās lack of engagement and refusal to mediate, considering I believe that mediation is the most effective way to resolve a matter of this nature, provides a fair outcome and avoids costly litigation.
I continue to encourage µž²¹¾±³ŁāNāG“Ē to reconsider its decision to refuse mediation.