A NSW Government website

NSW Government
Rural Assistance Authority

Bianca Keys

Contact details:

Name:Bianca Keys
Mobile:0406 137 459
Email:bianca@biancakeys.com
Mediations as mediator:1,200+
Mediations as advisor:0
Mediations as co-mediator:20
Hourly fee:$300 plus GST
Daily fee (7 hrs):$3,000 plus GST
Fees are negotiable:Yes

Areas of experience:

  • Accountancy
  • Banking
  • Commercial
  • Contracts
  • Corporate
  • Finance
  • Resources
  • Succession
  • Trade practices
  • Company

Affinity with rural industries:

I have a long history of assisting farmers and wholesalers under the Horticulture Code of Conduct and the Wine Grape Code of Conduct. I held a Federal Government appointment as Assistant Mediation Adviser under the Horticulture Code of Conduct between 2006-2012 inclusive, providing early dispute resolution assistance to farmers and wholesalers and travelling the country to speak with stakeholders about mediation. I was part of a team that facilitated early discussions to establish a code of conduct for wine grape growers and wine producers.

My family come from regional NSW, with long term involvement on cotton farms, in sheep shearing, and breeding working dogs and horses for farming. I have a deep understanding of the challenges faced on the land.

In addition, I am an appointed mediator for the NSW Small Business Commission and the NSW Personal Injury Commission, both of which involve farming businesses as parties. Mediations with the Small Business Commission regularly involve discussions pertaining to outstanding payments and the establishment of workable payment plans. I am also a mediator with the Australian Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman, who administer mediation services under the Horticulture and Dairy Codes.

In my private commercial practice, I regularly assist financial institutions, both as a mediator and as a mediation trainer (assisting people to develop collaborative negotiation skills).

I have been a mediator for over 17 years, with a passion for assisting small business. During this time, I have worked as a mediator, a mediation trainer, a conflict management coach, and as a director (and Chair) of the Mediator Standards Board, which oversees the National Mediator Accreditation System. Best practice, consumer protection, and supporting people in discussing and designing pragmatic outcomes are always front of mind for me.

My background is in law, although I have focused solely on providing mediation services for 17 years.