Tobias Little
Dispute Resolution Practitioner
Accredited under the Australian National Mediation Accreditation (NMAS)
Accredited under the Australian National Mediation Accreditation (NMAS)
As a Dispute Resolution Practitioner Tobias is qualified to mediate in most areas, including but not limited to:
Specialising in SME business to business disputes
Residential and Retail/Commercial leases
and
Discrimination, bullying & harassment
Workplace health & safety
Employment contracts
Industrial relations
Management issues
Human Resource Management
Organisational governance
Workplace education
Consumer & retail
Property - Tenancy, Body corporate / strata / unit title
Neighbourly disputes
Social issues
Mediation is a proven effective method of dispute resolution that results in an agreement between parties that is as a result of guided conversation. This agreement is reached by the parties themselves, which puts the power in your own hands, rather than being determined in the legal system. Mediation is significantly cheaper than proceeding to court, and can be conducted effectively with or without legal representation.
TOBIAS LITTLE (GradCertHRM,PRINMAS)
Tobias is a nationally accredited mediator under the Australian National Mediation Accreditation (NMAS).
Tobias has been engaged by the Victorian Small Business Commission and the Department of Jobs and Precincts to assist commercial and retail tenants and landlords to resolve rent relief disputes as well as all other lease related disputes. Many other types of disputes under the provisions of the Retail Leases Act and the Small Business Commission Act have been resolved with the assistance of Tobias.
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria and the Department of Justice and Community Safety engaged Tobias to assist resolve disputes related to residential tenancies.
During Covid, Tobias has assisted over 600 clients, convening matters both online and over the telephone.
Tobias has completed a variety of training at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and sits on a panel of experts convening pre-hearing mediations to assist parties to resolve their disputes relating to matters on the civil list. These matters involve things such as neighbourly disputes, unpaid invoices, warranties and refunds, and services not provided to the expected standard.
With over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, he holds a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management, a Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training, and is trained and experienced in managing workplace investigations.
Verify Tobias’s accreditation on Resolution Institute’s Dispute Resolver Directory
In a perfect world most people would prefer effective and harmonious working relationships, however we know this is often not reality. Disputes can arise at times, and the way in which they are handled can have a sizeable impact on the outcome. Litigation can be a drawn out and costly exercise, both financially and emotionally, and can cause significant brand damage and emotional distress. Mediation is an effective and common alternative to litigation. Mediation is a confidential process which means that anything discussed in the mediation sessions cannot be used in court, and therefore allows parties to be open and honest when exploring outcomes. Mediation puts the parties in control by allowing the parties to agree to scheduled meeting times with the mediator. It is entirely voluntary and either party can withdraw at any time. Mediation can also be lawyer assisted or simply with the disputants. In almost all jurisdictions mediation is mandatory before going to trial. You can avoid expensive lawyers' bills by mediating first, rather than paying for your lawyer to instruct you to mediate deep into the legal process. Parties can mediate prior to litigation, or it can be a part of the litigation process. It’s never too late to mediate.
Litigation involves decisions being made by an arbitrator or judge, with most of the control of the outcome being taken away from the parties in dispute. Mediation on the other hand is a process that allows the parties to reach their own negotiated settlement via a facilitated discussion by a third party who is both impartial and neutral - The mediator. A mediator will assist parties to explore and understand the core issues within the dispute, which are often covered over by their desired outcomes. They will assist parties to explore options and consider how realistic those options may be if applied. A nationally accredited mediator works to an effective process or model, which has proven to result in a high ratio of resolution. If an agreement is reached, the terms of the settlement are written up at the conclusion of the mediation session and signed by both parties.
Mediation is a much faster process than litigation. Disputes can be simple or complex, but as a guide many disputes can be resolved in two to four hours, however every dispute is different, so it is best to be free for most of the day of your appointment. Sometimes the mediation can take more than one day. If time restraints are a concern, simply raise it with the mediator.