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Workplace Dispute Resolution in Melbourne
Workplace dispute resolution in Melbourne through mediation, arbitration, and negotiation for lasting outcomes.
Are workplace conflicts disrupting your team’s productivity and morale?
Unresolved disputes can lead to stress, deteriorate workplace relationships, and cause costly turnover. A case study in Australia revealed how mediation successfully resolved a high-stakes conflict between key executives, restoring trust and improving team dynamics. Similarly, it highlights the effectiveness of structured workplace mediation in fostering understanding and creating long-term solutions for strained relationships.
At Close Consulting, we understand the challenges and emotional toll that workplace disputes can bring. We provide empathetic solutions for unfair dismissal, harassment, and performance disputes. Our approach prioritises fairness, well-being, and actionable resolutions that benefit both employees and employers.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone—let us help you restore harmony and foster a more collaborative workplace.

What Our Clients Are Saying

What is Dispute Resolution?
Dispute resolution is the process of resolving conflicts or disagreements between parties in a structured and fair way. It offers an alternative to legal actions such as court proceedings, focusing on collaboration rather than confrontation.
Workplace disputes can disrupt productivity, damage relationships, and lead to costly consequences. Effective dispute resolution helps address these conflicts in a way that protects both employee rights and employer interests.
Our Dispute Resolution Services
1. Mediation Services
Mediation is a collaborative process where a neutral third party helps conflicting parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. This approach focuses on open communication and understanding, enabling both sides to express their concerns and find common ground.
Benefits:
Cost-Effective: Mediation is typically less expensive than litigation or formal legal actions.
Promotes Collaboration: Encourages co-operation and problem-solving between parties.
Preserves Relationships: Ideal for workplace disputes, as it aims to maintain professional and personal relationships.
2. Arbitration Services
Arbitration involves an impartial expert who listens to both sides, examines evidence, and delivers a binding decision. It is a structured process that provides clarity and resolution without the complexities of court proceedings.
Benefits:
Faster Resolutions: Arbitration is quicker than traditional legal proceedings.
Conclusive Results: Decisions are final and enforceable, reducing prolonged disputes.
Less Formal: The process is straightforward and avoids the rigid structure of court trials.
3. Negotiation Support
Negotiation support provides expert guidance to help parties resolve conflicts directly through discussion and compromise. Close Consulting helps structure negotiations and provides strategic advice to achieve fair outcomes.
Benefits:
Flexibility: Parties retain control over decisions, ensuring solutions fit their specific needs.
Minimises Disruptions: Efficiently resolves issues, allowing organisations to focus on business goals.
4. Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)
For disputes that involve remote teams, cross-border disagreements, or other logistical challenges, Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) offers a secure and convenient alternative. Using digital platforms, ODR facilitates the resolution process without requiring in-person meetings.
Benefits:
Accessible: Perfect for geographically dispersed or remote participants.
Convenient: Allows flexibility in scheduling and participation.
Time-Saving: Eliminates the need for extensive travel or prolonged delays.

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Free HR Support CallSpecialised Workplace Dispute Resolution
Workplace conflicts often require tailored approaches to address the unique challenges faced by employees and employers. Close Consulting specialises in resolving these sensitive issues efficiently, ensuring fairness and compliance.
Unfair Dismissal Claims
Unfair dismissal can be a challenging and emotional experience for both employers and employees. At Close Consulting, we provide support in filing and responding to claims with bodies like the Fair Work Commission. Our role is to ensure the process is handled with professionalism, aiming for fair outcomes.
For employees, we help build strong cases to present valid claims.
For employers, we ensure that dismissals comply with workplace laws, minimising legal risks.
Bullying and Harassment Resolution
Bullying and harassment in the workplace can lead to a toxic environment, reduced morale, and increased turnover. Our impartial mediation services address these sensitive issues while prioritising the dignity and well-being of all parties.
Mediation promotes open communication, helping employees feel heard and supported.
Our approach fosters a culture of respect, creating a safer, more inclusive workplace.
Performance Management Disputes
Performance-related disputes can strain relationships between management and employees, often due to unclear expectations or communication gaps. Close Consulting facilitates transparent discussions to align on performance goals and address conflicts effectively.
We mediate between parties to clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Resolutions are aligned with organisational policies to support long-term productivity.
Tailored Solutions for Businesses
Every industry faces unique challenges when it comes to workplace disputes. At Close Consulting, we understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. That’s why we tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs of your sector, ensuring effective conflict resolution and long-term stability.
Expertise in Diverse Industries
With experience spanning industries like retail, healthcare, aviation, and education, our team is equipped to navigate the complexities of various workplace environments. Whether it’s handling disputes in a fast-paced retail setting or addressing sensitive matters in healthcare, we adapt our strategies to your business context.
Customized Strategies for Unique Challenges
We take the time to understand the specific dynamics of your industry and workplace. This allows us to develop strategies that align with your organisational goals, comply with industry regulations, and foster a positive work environment.For example, in aviation, we focus on resolving high-stress team dynamics and performance-related conflicts. In education, we mediate sensitive disputes that impact staff and student well-being.
Your HR Team
Meet the dedicated professionals behind your success.
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I established Close Consulting in 2007 as a small, boutique practice providing HR generalist advice to small business owners and individuals in Melbourne. In line with our growth over the past 13 years, we now provide specialised, professional and customer-focused advice across a wide variety of industries including aviation, higher education, retail, aged care and health.

Cameron brings a wealth of experience to Close Consulting following an extensive career in the Technical, Quality and Production Management fields within the construction and civil engineering industries. Advancing from cadet to manager required identifying growth opportunities. Cameron provides leadership, project management and technical capability coupled with strategic overview to time critical projects.
Our Client-Centered Approach
At Close Consulting, our approach is rooted in understanding the unique challenges faced by each client. We prioritise practical, efficient solutions that focus on resolving disputes effectively while respecting the needs of all parties involved.
Practical and Real-World Expertise
We understand that workplace conflicts can be stressful and disruptive. That’s why our team focuses on delivering actionable solutions without overwhelming you with complex legal jargon. Our HR-driven approach is tailored to real-world situations, ensuring that resolutions are both practical and achievable.
Confidentiality and Neutrality
Discretion and fairness are at the core of our work. We handle every case with the utmost confidentiality, providing a safe environment where parties can openly discuss their concerns. As neutral facilitators, we work diligently to ensure all voices are heard and respected.
Affordable and Flexible Services
We believe effective dispute resolution should be accessible to all. Our pricing is transparent and flexible, designed to accommodate individual needs and circumstances. By offering cost-effective alternatives to legal proceedings, we help clients save time and resources while achieving meaningful outcomes.
Ethical Standards in Dispute Resolution
Close Consulting is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in every dispute resolution process. Our approach ensures fairness, integrity, and trust, creating an environment where all parties feel valued and respected.
Transparency
Clear communication is the foundation of successful dispute resolution. From the initial consultation to the final outcome, we ensure that every step is explained thoroughly. This openness allows all parties to understand the process, set realistic expectations, and stay informed throughout.
Respect and Dignity
Every individual involved in a workplace dispute deserves to be treated with respect and fairness. Our team fosters an inclusive and equitable environment where concerns are addressed without bias. By focusing on dignity and mutual understanding, we help restore trust and collaboration.
Confidentiality
Privacy is paramount in resolving sensitive workplace matters. We safeguard the confidentiality of all discussions, documents, and outcomes to protect the interests of everyone involved. This commitment to discretion builds confidence in the resolution process and encourages honest dialogue.
Resources for Workplace Disputes
We provide accessible resources, such as articles and guides, to help businesses and employees manage workplace conflicts. Topics include:
Tips for preventing disputes through clear communication
Step-by-step guidance on filing workplace-related claims


How to Get Started with Close Consulting
Assessment of Needs
The first step is understanding your unique situation. We offer personalised consultations to assess the nature of the conflict and identify the best solutions.
Custom-Tailored Strategies
Based on your needs, we develop adaptable resolution plans that suit your goals. Whether it’s mediation, arbitration, or training, our strategies are designed for real results.
FAQs on Dispute Resolution
What is the highest level of dispute resolution?
The highest level of dispute resolution is typically litigation, where a court of law hears the case and issues a legally binding decision. This process is often the final step if other methods, such as mediation or arbitration, fail.
What are the levels of dispute resolution?
The common levels of dispute resolution include:
Negotiation – Direct discussion between parties to reach an agreement.
Mediation – A neutral third party facilitates discussions to help resolve the issue.
Arbitration – An arbitrator reviews the case and makes a binding decision.
Litigation – Formal legal proceedings in court for a final, binding judgement.
What is the highest level of alternative dispute resolution (ADR)?
The highest level of ADR is binding arbitration, where the arbitrator's decision is final and enforceable, similar to a court judgement. This method is less formal than litigation but offers a conclusive resolution.
What are the four stages of dispute resolution?
The four stages of dispute resolution typically include:
Preparation – Understanding the dispute and gathering necessary information.
Negotiation – Initial discussions to find common ground.
Mediation or Arbitration – Using a neutral party to resolve the conflict.
Resolution and Implementation – Finalising the agreement and taking steps to enforce it.

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