Information for mortgagees

Important steps toward mediation 

The following steps outline the process and notices used by the mortgagee when the mortgagee initiates mediation.

• A mortgagee must serve a Notice S14 Inviting a Request for Mediation (PDF, 157KB) and provide a Mediation Information Package (PDF, 227KB) to the farmer.
• The mortgagee may also attach a Notice S15 Request for Mediation  (PDF, 134KB)  for the farmer to respond.
• If a farmer requests mediation, the mortgagee must either agree to or refuse mediation by completing the Notice S16 Agreement or Refusal to Mediate (PDF, 126KB) and provide a copy to QRIDA. A copy of the farmer's completed Notice S15 Request for Mediation (PDF, 134KB) is also required to be provided to QRIDA.
• If the farmer initiates mediation, the mortgagee must give a Notice S14 Inviting a Request for Mediation (PDF, 157KB) and Mediation Information Package (PDF, 227KB) to the farmer. If the farmer is not in default, the mortgagee may refuse mediation to the farmer.
• The mortgagee must ask the chosen mediator to conduct mediation.
• The mortgagee responds to the farmer's nomination of three (3) preferred mediators by choosing one (1) of the nominated mediators by giving a Notice S18A Response to Mediator Nomination (PDF, 151KB) to the farmer and providing a copy to QRIDA.

Mortgagee's obligations

• Be prepared and participate in mediation in good faith. Refer to the Good Faith Information Sheet (PDF, 152KB).
• The mortgagee should ensure that the Farm Business Debt Mediation Act 2017 (Qld) is applicable to the farmer before proceeding to mediation.

Other options

• The mortgagee can discontinue mediation by giving a Notice S32 Discontinuing Mediation (PDF, 182KB).
• The mortgagee may make a  Form 4 Application for Exemption Certificate (PDF, 153KB) once the following has occurred:
  • satisfactory mediation and if any heads of agreement cooling off period has expired.
  • or the farmer has failed to, and does not intend to, mediate.