Dispute resolution assistance during disaster recovery
You can download this information as a fact sheet.
We’re here to help
The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) provides low-cost and impartial alternative dispute resolution services for small businesses. These services can be accessed by small businesses in dispute while recovering from emergencies and disasters.
This service offers a faster, less stressful and more affordable alternative to resolving disputes through the court system.
When a solution is reached, all parties sign terms of settlement, which serve as a formal record of the resolution.
Image of two people speaking outside a shop. This image was created using generative AI.
What types of disputes can the VSBC help to resolve?
The VSBC assists with resolving commercial disputes such as between a small business and other parties, between farmers and their creditors, and tenants and their landlords regarding retail leasing matters.
Some examples include:
Business contractual disputes:
- Supply chain issues – such as when a business is unable to deliver goods or services due to a natural disaster.
- Unpaid goods or services – such as when payment was withheld due to financial losses from a natural disaster.
Retail lease disputes:
- Disagreements on the payment of rent while the premises is inaccessible or unfit for the tenant to occupy.
- Delays in repairs to a property following a natural disaster.
Farm Debt mediation, where a farmer is in, or at risk of, arrears on a loan for their farming property and/or machinery and would like to discuss pathways forward with their creditor.
Our dispute resolution process
- Apply for assistance at vsbc.vic.gov.au
You’ll need to provide the contact details for yourself and the parties you’re in dispute with. You’ll also need to provide documentation that outlines what it is that you’re disputing.
- Preliminary dispute resolution assistance
A Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) will manage your file and they’ll be your key contact throughout the process.
The DRO’s role is to facilitate dialogue between the disputing parties in order to clarify the nature of the dispute, the position of each party and to surface all relevant evidence. The DRO does not take a position in the dispute. Their intention is simply to encourage the parties to consider solutions that they can both accept.
This service is free of charge.
33% of applications to the VSBC were resolved through the course of this preliminary assistance during Financial Year 2024-25.
- Mediation
Should the dispute not be resolved during the preliminary assistance stage, the DRO may encourage the parties to participate in formal mediation.
A mediation is a confidential meeting between the parties in dispute, facilitated by an accredited mediator. The mediator assists the parties to negotiate a solution they can accept.
69% of mediations facilitated by the VSBC were successful in Financial Year 2024-25.
Mediations are held online via video.
- Agree to an outcome
If the mediation is successful, both parties will sign terms of settlement. This is a legal document and can be enforced by judicial or tribunal proceedings.
- Apply for a certificate
If settlement is not achieved, mediation ends and either party may to request a certificate that mediation has not been able to resolve the dispute.
Our fees
The VSBC is funded by the Victorian Government and preliminary assistance is free of charge.
In January 2026 the fees payable by each party are $300 (incl. GST) for a half-day session and $600 (incl. GST) for a full-day session.
What does the VSBC not do?
The VSBC cannot, and does not, provide legal, financial or business recovery advice.
- The Law Institute of Victoria has a free referral service at liv.asn.au/referral
- Business recovery advice and other supports can be accessed by visiting business.vic.gov.au
- Information specific to bushfire recovery can also be found on the Business Victoria website.
The VSBC does not make rulings or decisions on matters of dispute and does not take a position. Instead, the VSBC impartially guides parties in dispute to negotiate a solution they can both accept.
Seeking further information?
You’ll find further information on alternative dispute resolution, retail leasing and farm debt mediation on the VSBC website.
You can also call 1800 878 964 during business hours.
Want to apply for our assistance?
Applications must be made via our online portal.