(1) Any or all of the parties or former parties to a retail shop lease may refer a retail tenancy dispute or other dispute or matter referred to in section 65 (1) (a1) to the Registrar for mediation of the dispute. The Registrar is entitled to charge an application fee (not exceeding any maximum fee prescribed by the regulations) for the referral of a retail tenancy dispute or other dispute or matter referred to in section 65 (1) (a1) to the Registrar.Note--: Before applying for formal mediation of a dispute parties are encouraged to approach the Registrar for preliminary assistance of the kind referred to in section 67. There is no charge for this.
(2) The costs of and associated with formal mediation before a mediator of a retail tenancy dispute or other dispute or matter under arrangements made by the Registrar are to be paid by the parties to the mediation in such proportions as they may agree among themselves or, failing agreement, in equal shares.
(3) A mediator has, in the exercise of functions performed as a mediator under this Act, the same protection and immunities as a Judge of the Supreme Court.