A case conference is used to try to resolve any procedural issues before the review hearing. The reviewer will decide whether a case conference is needed.
If the reviewer decides to have a case conference, they will contact the parties, usually by phone, to discuss things such as:
whether everyone understands the issues
whether everyone is ready to go ahead
the hearing date and venue
whether anyone has any special needs in relation to the hearing.
The reviewer may also discuss with the parties whether mediation or facilitation may be the best way to resolve the dispute (see “Mediation and facilitation” above in this section), or whether the parties would prefer an “on the papers” decision. An “on the papers” decision means a decision based on the documents that the parties provide (rather than a decision based on evidence presented by people speaking at a hearing).
After the conference, the reviewer will send the parties written confirmation of any agreements reached and any decisions that the reviewer has made about procedural issues.
If the reviewer decides a case conference is not necessary, they will contact the parties to arrange a date and place for the hearing. They may also discuss whether mediation or facilitation may be the best way to resolve the dispute (see “Mediation and other alternative ways of resolving disputes” above in this section), whether the parties would prefer an “on the papers” decision, and whether anyone has any special needs in relation to the hearing.