Please note: we mediate workplace, commercial and organisational matters. Family and parenting mediation is not part of our practice, and we can refer you to trusted family specialists in Melbourne.
Melbourne is home to many of Australia's largest employers, alongside a substantial public sector, universities and a deep professional services market. When conflict surfaces in organisations of that scale, it rarely stays contained: it touches performance, retention, culture and sometimes reputation. Shiv Martin Consulting provides workplace mediation in Melbourne for organisations that want it resolved with structure and discretion.
In my experience, by the time a dispute reaches an external mediator, people are responding to the silence, the delay and the perceived unfairness as much as the original concern. A well-run process gives everyone a way to be heard and a way forward, without shame and without a courtroom.
Not every matter needs the same process. Some need mediation, some a facilitated conversation, some an investigation, and some a clear management decision. If mediation is not the right step for your matter, we will say so.
Workplace and team disputes
Conflict between colleagues, managers and teams in large and mid-sized organisations, including matters HR has already tried to resolve.
Commercial and partnership disputes
Disagreements between partners, shareholders and contractors that are better resolved than litigated.
Executive and board tensions
Senior leadership breakdowns where discretion, speed and structure all matter at once.
Complaints and regulatory matters
Complex complaints in statutory and service settings, where fairness has to be demonstrable.
What Melbourne organisations bring to us
Mediation is faster and far less disruptive than court or tribunal processes, it is confidential, and outcomes are practical because the parties built them. Read about our full workplace mediation service.
How we work in Melbourne
We run Melbourne matters two ways. Secure online mediation, which many Melbourne organisations choose first for speed, follows the full five-stage structure with the same preparation as an in-person day. For complex, multi-party or high-stakes matters, we travel to Melbourne and run the process in person at your workplace or a neutral venue, with preparation completed remotely beforehand.
Multi-day training programs and facilitated team sessions are delivered in-house in Melbourne in the same way: designed around your context, then delivered in the room.
"Shiv's depth of knowledge across a range of areas, her collaborative style as a trainer and engaging manner was well received and ensured that our needs were met in the training and facilitation sessions, in terms of both content and process."
Jack, PD Manager and Conciliator, Accident Compensation and Conciliation Service (Victoria)
The mediation process in five stages
Every mediation ends with a written record of outcomes: clear steps, responsibilities and timelines that reduce ambiguity and help people return to productive work.
1. Pre-mediation. Suitability assessment, wellbeing check, preparing each participant.
2. Introductions. The mediator's role, opening statements, agenda setting.
3. Exploration. Sharing information, understanding perceptions, unpacking assumptions, relevant law or policy.
4. Private sessions. Confidential check-ins with the mediator to discuss options and shift to a future focus.
5. Agreement. A forward-looking resolution captured in a written record of outcomes and follow-up steps.
We are proud to support teams from the following organisations
Trusted by Teams Across Australia
40+ 5 Star Google Reviews
Client feedback from workplaces, government agencies and communities across Brisbane, Australia and New Zealand. Whether online or in person, from facilitated conversations to workplace team training, Shiv Martin Consulting has your conflict resolution covered.
Proven with Victorian teams
Shiv Martin is an accredited mediator (AMDRAS), lawyer and trainer with over 15 years of experience across government agencies, commissions, tribunals and workplaces, including professional development work with Victorian conciliation teams.
We also deliver conflict resolution training in Melbourne: leadership conflict skills, complaints handling and mediation skills programs, designed for your team and delivered in-house. Explore training and speaking.
Frequently asked questions
Do you mediate in person in Melbourne?
Yes. We travel to Melbourne for in-person mediation days, facilitated sessions and training programs, with preparation handled remotely beforehand. Online mediation is also available and widely used by Melbourne organisations for single-issue matters.
How quickly can a mediation be arranged?
Urgent matters can often be scheduled within days, online sooner than in person. The pre-mediation stage is never skipped, because good process creates safety, but it moves quickly when the situation calls for it.
What does mediation cost?
It depends on complexity, the time involved and whether the matter needs an in-person day in Melbourne. Send us a few lines about the situation through the enquiry form and we will come back with the process that fits and the costs, usually within a business day.
Is a mediation outcome legally binding?
Outcomes are usually captured in a written agreement. The agreement itself is a voluntary commitment, but organisations can incorporate outcomes into formal HR processes or contracts where enforceability is required.
Do you provide family mediation in Melbourne?
No. Our practice is workplace, commercial and organisational mediation. For family or parenting disputes, we are glad to refer you to experienced family mediators in Melbourne.
Where we work
Melbourne is part of a national practice, based in Brisbane: Brisbane · Sydney · Canberra · Townsville · Gold Coast · All locations and services
Tell us what your organisation is facing
The fastest way to get help is a short written enquiry. Tell us what is happening in a few lines and we will come back with the process that fits, what is involved and the costs. If a conversation would help, you can also book a confidential discovery call.
Call or text 0433 904 303 · contact@shivmartin.com
Call or text 0433 904 303 · contact@shivmartin.com