If you lodge your application in the State Commission you will immediately be given a time and date for a conciliation conference, which will be held about two to three weeks later. If you lodge your application in the Australian Commission, you will be advised by mail of the date and time of your conference. About the conciliation conference The conciliation conference is an informal meeting between you, your former employer and a commissioner. It is an opportunity to talk about what has happened and to try to work out a solution that both parties can agree to. The commissioner may recommend ways of reaching agreement, and explain what could happen if the matter goes to a formal hearing.
Most conferences succeed in reaching an agreement.
An arbitration will result in a decision being imposed upon both parties by the Commission. Important things to know If you lodge an application in the State Commission or the Australian Commission you may not be able to take any other actions at law. You may be represented at a conciliation conference and at a hearing by a lawyer, a registered agent, an agent of your choice, your union, or you may represent yourself. Your former employer may also be represented. If you are found to have been unfairly dismissed, both Commissions have the power to order that you be re-employed or be compensated for economic loss.