Quark, you asked about the time it takes for a matter to be heard by the mediator.
As I understand it, you first file ( apply) online for mediation. Fair Trading will get back to you in no less than 10 days with a date for mediation which will be 8 weeks later at least.
And that assumes your application for mediation has no unanswered questions from FT’s point of view. If FT wants clarification from you, then only when FT studies your reply will a date for mediation be set.
The other side will have time say 14 days to accept or turn down the invitation to mediation. After the mediation session takes place, and you’re unhappy with the outcome or if the other side turns down the invitation to mediation then you could apply to ncat, for which there may be another 3 mths wait for the initial hearing.
If the other side digs in its heels, the matter may be heard by ncat over a few months with an order handed down possibly several months later.