The formal court system in Australia has long been criticised for its adversarial nature. As a result, there has been an increase in the use of alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation. These are promoted as a means of increasing access to justice by disadvantaged groups and as an inexpensive way of solving legal or quasi-legal disputes. In practice, however, alternative dispute resolution requires the ability to comprehend complex written texts involving both literacy and numeracy. This report investigates the difficulties experienced by users of alternative dispute resolution in Australia, as a result of their levels of literacy and numeracy skills. The study highlights that limited literacy and numeracy can be a barrier to fair participation in mediation processes, despite these processes being promoted as a fair and equitable process for all. The report identifies alternative dispute resolution processes that lead to difficulties, includes suggestions for professional development for mediators, and offers specific strategies for mediators to assist those who have limited literacy and numeracy.
Seasonal work is crucial for the many rural regions reliant on seasonal industries such as agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and tourism. This report examines the diverse nature of the seasonal workforce in two locations and the approaches used in their training. The report finds that the seasonal workforce is diverse and has varied training needs. Like others marginally attached to the workforce, much of their training is informal. Seasonal workers have difficulty accessing formal training and having their informal learning properly recognised. More formal training approaches are particularly relevant for those making a career of seasonal work. Barriers for employers to formal training include lack of suitable customised training programs, a lack of awareness of available training, cost, complex funding arrangements, and a low value placed on such training. Enhancers to formal training include employers who encourage and value training for their workforce, the use of brokers to assist employers to access training, and training providers with in-depth knowledge of regional industry and enterprises to meet the diverse needs of seasonal workers, and legislative requirements.