Sharan Safe

Contact details:

Areas of experience:

• Accountancy
• Banking
• Commercial
• Company
• Contracts
• Corporate
• Estates
• Finance
• Industrial relations
• Property
• Succession
• Trusts

Affinity with rural industries:

I am an experienced mediator with a history of resolving most matters that I have mediated.

Prior to embarking on my mediation practice, I practiced as a lawyer for over 20 years, specializing in farm debt mediation, commercial litigation, dispute resolution, insolvency and banking and finance.

Involved in over 350 farm debt mediations nationally prior to becoming a full time Mediator, I have learnt that a successful mediation is one that promotes resolution that all parties can live with. With the right approach there should be no problem that cannot be resolved. Recognising that from time to time we all encounter difficult issues to manage, my approach to problem solving is one that promotes a safe place to be heard, to be respected and to be understood. In my role as a Mediator, I remain impartial and uphold my duty of confidentiality to all parties involved. I endeavour to always apply my practical and commercial mindset, no matter how challenging a problem or dispute may be to resolve.

I am also a Sessional Ombudsman at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, and a mediator panel member of the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, the Law Institute of Victoria Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee.

Key accomplishments:

• Authored ANZ’s Commitment and Principles for managing small business farming customers in financial difficulty.
• Member of the working group led by Barnaby Joyce, the then Minister for Agriculture, in relation to the proposed National Farm Debt Mediation Act.
• As a solicitor handled over 350 farm debt mediations across all jurisdictions, focusing on sustainable and amicable resolutions.
• Participated in rounds 2 and 4 of the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.