Michael is a nationally accredited Australian mediator with a background as a legal practitioner. He works in conflict resolution, including conferencing for family, personal and workplace protection court order applications.
Michael meets families in conflict where they are, from a neutral place and with empathy, for them have constructive conversations, be heard and better understand their challenges and each other. This can help them to see possibilities for practical solutions to meet their concerns, make important decisions and improve communication and relationships. In elder mediation, he centres the will, preferences and dignity of older people in discussion of their needs and those of their support networks.
Michael has extensive experience in health consumer protection and complaint management. He has helped complainants, families and practitioners under review understand issues, be heard and navigate contested regulatory processes. He has worked with health professionals to uphold standards of care and conduct for protection of patients and clients including in aged care and situations involving neglect, abuse, loss, grief and trauma. He has also led workplace teams and divisions to strengthen organisational and interagency relationships, communication and conflict resolution.
In legal practice, Michael has supported people disadvantaged in having their interests heard in regulatory systems and disputes involving power imbalances. He manages complex dynamics including from physical and mental health and other vulnerabilities in tandem with families, support professionals and agencies. He has studied and worked in restorative justice programs and developed policies promoting alternatives to traditional conflict and dispute practices that can be less consuming of cost, time and energy.
Michael looks to build on the bonds and strengths of families and communities to help older people and those around them to be acknowledged, understood and respected in their lives and relationships.