National’s Whanganui MP Carl Bates has submitted a new members’ bill that would create more effective and efficient employment mediation services.
“Parts of New Zealand’s mediation services are not fit for purpose. The current system imposes unnecessary cost on to the taxpayer and creates uncertainty for business owners and employees,” Carl Bates says.
“This bill would make two major changes. Firstly, it would remove the requirement for a mediator employed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to sign off on employment settlements by allowing independent mediators to also do this.
“Each year thousands of agreed terms of settlement reached outside of a mediation are sent to MBIE for a mediator to sign. This is a significant cost to the taxpayer for a process that does not create additional value for the parties involved.
“This change helps fix that problem. The ‘sign-off’ process adds a layer of unnecessary bureaucracy. It literally involves a mediator from MBIE contacting both parties to verify that what they agreed to is what they agreed to. Allowing appropriately qualified mediators to do this costs nothing to the taxpayer and will create a more efficient and effective service.
“However, there is currently uncertainty about how to access an appropriate mediator. So, the second change would create a Register of Mediators to provide clear direction on how to access mediation. It would also ensure clarity on which mediators are empowered under this new approach.
“The register would properly regulate mediators by ensuring they are a member of an organisation that operates under a code of ethics with proper dispute resolution, that they have any necessary accreditation or qualification and commit to undertaking continuing professional development.
“New Zealand deserves an employment mediation process that works for everyone. I will work hard to ensure that my parliamentary colleagues see the value in this bill to ensure it passes if it is drawn from the biscuit tin.”
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