Sharan Safe | Mediator

Sharan Safe

Sharan bring a wealth of experience in farm debt mediation, banking, and financial management, complemented by a deep understanding of primary industries and family conflict dynamics in rural settings.

Below is an overview of Sharan’s relevant knowledge and practical experience in Farm Debt Mediation and Primary Industry Knowledge.

• Panel Mediator for Farm Debt Mediation: Accredited by the New South Wales Farm Debt Mediation panel and a mediator for the Tasmanian Government Farm Debt Mediation Scheme.
• Sharan facilitated over 300 farm debt mediations involving farming and rural financial disputes.
• Policy Development and Advocacy: Authored ANZ's "Commitment and Principles" for managing small business farming customers in financial difficulty, reflecting a strong understanding of the complexities of rural financial challenges and primary industry operations.
• Legislative Involvement: Contributed as a member of the working group led by Barnaby Joyce (then Minister for Agriculture) for the proposed National Farm Debt Mediation Act, demonstrating an active role in shaping farm debt mediation frameworks at a national level.
• Banking, Finance, and Financial Management Expertise: Over two decades of experience advising and representing financial institutions, including the ANZ Banking Group, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and State Bank of Victoria, on disputes involving insolvency, banking, and commercial litigation.
• Extensive practical knowledge in addressing debt restructuring, financial hardship, and credit issues for small business and farming customers.
• Participated in rounds 2 and 4 of the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation, and Financial Services Industry, providing insights into systemic issues impacting rural and primary industries.
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation Expertise Accredited Mediator under the Australian National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS), with over 400 mediations conducted across diverse disputes, including family conflicts within farming contexts.
• Proficient in alternate dispute resolution methods, including mediations, compulsory conferences, and negotiations, ensuring fair and sustainable outcomes for parties.
• Understanding of Rural and Agricultural Challenges Familiarity with the unique pressures faced by primary producers, including market volatility, natural disasters, and resource management issues, gained through my mediation work including with QRIDA and farm debt panels.
• Bilingual capabilities in Bahasa Indonesia and Punjabi, supporting effective communication with diverse communities, including migrant and multicultural farming families.

With this robust blend of legal, financial, and mediation expertise, Sharan is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to farm debt mediation processes, ensuring fair, empathetic, and practical resolutions for all parties involved.