Consolidated practice directions

Preliminary conferences 
16. A mediator may hold a preliminary conference, for example, in a 
complex multi-party mediation. A party may request a preliminary 
conference if it would assist the mediation process. A request should be 
made when the mediation order is made or thereafter to the mediator 
following conferral. 
17. Issues that may be dealt with at a preliminary conference include: 
•
Where the mediation is to be held. 
•
The length of the mediation. 
•
Who is to attend the mediation and when. 
•
Whether a number of actions will be mediated at the same time or 
one after the other. 
•
Confidentiality issues that arise from actions involving different 
parties being mediated at the same time. 
•
Facilities that may be required for the mediation, such as 
teleconferencing. 
•
The making of directions or requests for information to facilitate the 
conduct of the mediation conference. 
•
Background or context information to assist the mediation registrar 
to efficiently and productively facilitate the mediation. 
18. 
The preliminary conference is subject to 
Supreme Court Act 1935 
(WA) 
pt VI. 
19. 
The preliminary conference will usually involve only the lawyers for 
each party. If an in-person conference is not practicable, it may be by 
telephone conference or video link. The mediator may conduct 

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4. General Division - Civil 
PD 4.2.1
 
Supreme Court of Western Australia 
Consolidated Practice Direction
separate preliminary conferences with each party and their lawyer. If 
this occurs, the mediator will treat the preliminary conference in the 
same way as a private session in the mediation. Everything said will 
be confidential and will not be disclosed to the other side unless the 
mediator is specifically authorised to do so.