Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria
Last Updated in 2021
Field of Law
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Stage of Career
Secondary; Undergraduates; Graduates; Practising Lawyers.
Contact Details
Mailing address: GPO Box 4113, Melbourne Vic 3001
For regional offices visit the contact us page on the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria website
Phone: 1300 372 888
Visit the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria website
Contact person: David Leonard
Email: disputes.vic.gov.au (please send message via ‘contact us’ page)
Description of Organisation
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) is part of the Victorian Department of Justice and provides free dispute resolution services to all Victorians. DSCV offers dispute resolution advice, conflict coaching and mediation services., as well as training and accrediting mediators to national standards
The most common kinds of conflict that DSCV resolves are:
- Neighbourhood disputes involving fences, trees, animals, noise and drainage
- Disputes about difficult or anti-social behaviour
- Workplace disputes
- Disputes within committees, clubs or Incorporated Associations
DSCV does not deal with disputes under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) or involving family violence. DSCV services are delivered within the context of our client charter. We will:
- Deliver a range of appropriate dispute resolution services to meet the diverse needs of our clients
- Provide an accessible service that respects the rights to freedom of thought, beliefs, religion, and cultural expression
- Provide a quality mediation service that complies with industry national standards
- Act in a professional and courteous manner
- Promote respectful resolution of your dispute by supporting fair and just outcomes for all clients
- Recognise and support the special needs of individuals and groups, and the right to equal access to all services
- Welcome your feedback about our service and we will respond promptly to complaints
- Protect the right to privacy and treat all information confidentially
Number of legal positions within organisation
No specific legal positions. See information below about career options in DSCV
Does your organisation have a human rights officer?
No - but DSCV is in the same branch of Department of Justice as the Human Rights Unit, and we work closely with our colleagues to ensure our services are compliant with the Human Rights Charter
Information for secondary schools
Do you have work experience placements for secondary school students?
Occasionally, upon request, and dependent upon resources,
Currently DSCV office cannot take placements while Covid-19 restrictions are in place.
Contact person for work experience placements: Email dscv@justice.vic.gov.au
Do you host school trips or send speakers to schools?
Only by appointment, and dependent upon resources
Currently DSCV office cannot take placements while Covid-19 restrictions are in place.
Contact person for school trip and/or speakers: Email dscv@justice.vic.gov.au
Information for university students/graduates
Do you have a Graduate Program? (please provide details and the number taken per year)
No - but DSCV is part of the Department of Justice, which recruits through the Victorian Public Service GRADS program [insert internal link]. DoJ graduates may be able to request a short placement with DSCV if they have an interest in the area of mediation / ADR