REINSW has been advised that NCAT has amended the sitting patterns for group lists.
From 1 June 2019, NCAT has allocated a separate conciliator to a greater number of sittings in South and Greater Western Sydney, as well as the Hunter region.
NCAT Consumer and Commercial Division Registrar and Director, Pauline Green, says the majority of matters are listed for first hearing in a group list where a number of matters are listed together before a Tribunal Member.
If both parties are present, they are encouraged to resolve their dispute through conciliation. If conciliation is unsuccessful, or if only one party appears, the matter will proceed to hearing.
With a greater number of sittings featuring a conciliator, more parties will have the ability to resolve their disputes in conciliation and avoid proceeding to hearing.
Additionally, Green states the venue change from East Maitland to Kurri Kurri will accommodate increased sittings for Courts at East Maitland and provide greater accessibility for parties involved.
REINSW Property Management Chapter Committee Board Representative, Lyn Kimball, believes this can only be an improvement on the existing scenario, but notes that it appears the opportunity is mostly available to Sydney Metro suburbs.
"Having this service available in more regional centres would be of benefit to both parties," she says.
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