- Date:
- 15 Sep 2026
About the Commission
The Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission (the Commission) is an independent body responsible for managing allegations of parliamentary misconduct involving current and former Victorian members of parliament, ministers, and parliamentary secretaries.
In choosing to deal with a referral of alleged parliamentary misconduct, the Commission can determine a matter be dealt with through ADR.
A determination to deal with a referral through ADR can occur at any time before, during or after an investigation or as an alternative to an investigation.
What is Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
ADR refers to processes where an independent person assists parties in a dispute to reach a resolution by identifying issues, exploring options and reaching an agreement.
The ADR services offered by the Commission are intended to be facilitative in nature and do not include arbitration. The Commission may opt for processes such as mediation or conciliation if suitable.
Can the Commission require parties to participate in ADR?
No, ADR must not take place without the agreement of all parties. This includes agreement regarding the format and location of the process.
Can a party withdraw from ADR after they agree to participate?
Yes, a party may withdraw from ADR at any time, up until the Commission prepares an outcome report (if the Commission chooses to do so).
Can the Commission enforce any agreement reached by the parties?
No, any resolution or outcome achieved through ADR is an agreement by the parties only. The Commission cannot compel a party to abide by an agreement reached.
Will participation in ADR impact on a person’s ability to pursue other forms of legal action?
Participation in ADR does not affect the right of a party to the process to act under any other law.
What happens if the matter cannot be resolved by ADR?
The Commission may end ADR and decide to:
• commence an investigation
• re-direct or defer the referral, or
• dismiss the referral and take no further action.
Can information disclosed in ADR be used in an investigation by the Commission?
The Commission must not use, for the purposes of an investigation, or include in an investigation report, any information disclosed in ADR that may identify a party to the ADR process unless it has the consent of all parties.
Can the Commission disclose information obtained in ADR to another body?
No, the Commission must not disclose information obtained during ADR to another person or body unless it has consent of all parties or as required by law.
Can a party treat anything said or done in ADR as evidence in court proceedings?
No. Anything said or done in ADR cannot be admitted as evidence in a court or tribunal process related to the subject matter unless all parties have consented.
Can I bring a support person to ADR?
Yes. A support person is someone you have asked to accompany you to ADR such as a friend or relative who is otherwise not involved in the dispute. A support person can be there to provide support but must not engage in the discussion on your behalf. If you would like to bring a support person you need to advise the Commission who will liaise with the mediator to determine if the nominated person is suitable to attend. The mediator will speak with your support person to ensure that they understand their role and expectations regarding confidentiality.
If you are under the age of 16, you must bring a parent or guardian or an independent person to ADR in order to participate. There are some exceptions around the suitability of that person. If no suitable independent person is nominated the Commission chooses an independent person to accompany the person under the age of 16.
Will the outcome of ADR be made public?
The Commission is required to prepare an outcome report following ADR, unless it considers it is not in the public interest to do so.
In the event the Commission does produce a report, that report will be transmitted to parliament.
The Commission must not include in an outcome report any information that may identify a person without their consent, other than the person who is the subject of the referral.
For clarity, an outcome report will not be produced and made public, unless all parties agree and it is in the public interest to do so.
Will I have to pay to undertake ADR?
No, the dispute resolution process is free and neither party is required to pay to participate.
Can I disclose information shared in an ADR process with others?
Parties are expected to keep information disclosed in ADR processes confidential. Each party will be asked if they will comply with that expectation when deciding whether to engage in the process.
Confidentiality ensures that all discussions and disclosures during ADR remain private, creating a safe environment where parties can speak freely without fear that their words will be used against them later.
When parties trust that their communications are protected, they are more likely to engage honestly, explore solutions and negotiate openly.
Can I bring my legal representative?
A legal representative can attend ADR as a support person, provided the Commission considers their presence suitable and unlikely to compromise the success of ADR. The expectations of support persons are outlined above and would apply to legal representatives.
Contact us
Parliamentary Workplace Standards and Integrity Commission
Email: enquiries@pwsic.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 8486 2000
Post: PO Box 24086, Melbourne VIC 3001