One feature of the Trade Practices (Industry Codes – Oilcode) Regulations 2006 (the Oilcode) is the establishment of an independent downstream petroleum Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS) to provide the industry with an ongoing, cost-effective dispute resolution mechanism as an alternative to taking action in the courts. This required the establishment and operation of a dispute resolution and mediation service.
On February 2007, Mr David Newton of The Accord Group was appointed to the role of the Oilcode’s Dispute Resolution Adviser to deliver the DRS. The DRS commenced on 1 March 2007.
The Dispute Resolution Adviser’s role, as an independent adviser and mediator, is to:
- advise on dispute resolution
- resolve disputes
- arrange mediation
- act as an adviser to disputants in the Australian petroleum retail industry seeking dispute resolution.
The Dispute Resolution Adviser also handles disputes concerning the supply of a declared petroleum product as covered in section 43 of the Oilcode.
The DRA can be contacted via:
Freecall telephone: 1800 239 487
Telephone: 02 9283 9208
Fax: 02 9264 8268
Web: Oilcode Dispute Resolution Adviser