Anatomy of Conflict Resolution

This session explores how conflict develops and how it can be managed effectively before it escalates into formal legal disputes. Taking a sociological perspective—viewing society as a system of interconnected parts—the presentation examines where and how conflict arises in everyday life, including work, social, sporting, community, and even global contexts.

The Anatomy of Conflict Resolution will cover:

• Identifying early, middle, and future stages of disputes
• Understanding alternative approaches to resolving conflict
• Developing personal skills and self‑sufficiency in managing disputes
• Recognising opportunities for empowerment at personal, community, and institutional levels

The session will improve the Victorian community’s understanding of how the law and legal systems relate to conflict, and highlight alternatives to court‑based litigation. A relaxed, informative discussion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) will explain and compare mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and negotiation.

The content is designed to be broadly accessible and relevant to individuals and small businesses, examining dispute management options available now and into the future. For small businesses, the session will also touch on Australia’s commercial relationship with the Singapore Convention.

The event is open to the public and includes a Q&A session.

Presenters:

• Michelle Royal‑Hebblewhite (RMIT University; Mediator; Member, National Sports Tribunal)
• Associate Professor Rajesh Sharma (RMIT University; Mediator; Panel Arbitrator, KCAB)