Who we are
School Disputes is a Sunshine Coast, Queensland based educational business with the primary aim of increasing the capacity of educators to enhance their skills in Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution. We improve the confidence and wellbeing of educators by upskilling them to productively manage the behaviours of high conflict staff and parents.
Origins
In 1994 Ross was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and the High Court of Australia. Following a number of years in a successful general law practice in North Queensland Ross chose to specialise in dispute resolution. In 2011 Ross qualified as a Barrister-at-Law. His chambers, Inns of Court – Sunshine Coast is based in Maroochydore and has an 8-person conference room for mediations as well as separate break out rooms. Ross is a nationally accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with over 3000 hours experience in family, workplace and commercial matters.
Ross has combined his skills as a barrister, mediator and investigator with a passion for professional development for educators. Additionally:
- Ross holds a Master of Laws which focussed on Alternate Dispute Resolution.
- His experience of more than 20 years as a workplace mediator, investigator and Navy Legal Officer enhances his capacity to manage complex and sensitive matters.
- Ross has experience in teaching both at university level Masters programs, on location in schools and via private courses.
Professional Profile
Family Law
- Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner with the Attorney General’s Department since 2009
- Able to issue Section 60 I Certificates in respect of family dispute resolutions
- Accredited Mediator under the NMAS (National Mediator Accredited System)
- Experience as a former Child Support Agency Senior Case Officer who has settled over 700 adjudication decisions
- Member of the Legal Aid Queensland panel of mediators for more than 15 years
- Qualified Arbitrator under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth)
Workplace Mediations and Investigations
- Inquiry Officer – Department of Defence
- Executive level mediator – Department of Education
- Founder of School Disputes – provider of training, mediation and investigation services to the education sector
- Engaged by top tier legal firms to conduct investigations concerning allegations of unacceptable behaviour by executives
Navy Legal Officer
- Commander – Royal Australian Navy Reserve (Legal Corps)
- Formally recognised for twenty years of service
- Posted to Office of the Inspector General Australian Defence Force to assist with managing complex and sensitive matters relating to military justice
Academic
- Contract lecturer in dispute resolution at University of Queensland, University of the Sunshine Coast and James Cook University (Masters Level)
- Tutor in Business Law at the University of the Sunshine Coast
- Coach on mediation courses conducted by Bond University and the University of Queensland
- Presenter of more than 15 papers as part of the LawSense/LegalWise seminar series
You can download a copy of Ross’ 1-page biography here.
Courses
The courses cover the essence of conflict management and dispute resolution with courses ranging in scope from the novice to the expert. Multiple disciplines can benefit from the courses and educators can accommodate the needs of a range of learners. For more details about our course, please go here.
Delivery
Ross has utilised many methods in his teaching but favours the use of video demonstration as an efficient and effective tool for adult learners; particularly for those in remote and rural areas. He has been developing courses relevant to the education profession for over 15 years. Ross has a Winnebago and is able to cost effectively deliver professional development to schools anywhere in Australia.
Packages
The customised packages allow you to tailor exactly what you need. From as little as a needs analysis and direction for existing educators to full delivery, our aim is to increase the uptake of Conflict Resolution and Dispute Management skills.
School Dispute members receive the additional benefit of joining a network of educators and sharing resources and skills.
Mr Ross McSwan LLM (Director)
Barrister-at-Law
Lead Facilitator
School Disputes ABN: 570 398 260 58