Victorian Numbered Acts Victorian Numbered Acts(1) A creditor who receives a request for mediation from a farmer under section 9 may, by written notice given to the farmer, agree or refuse to mediate in respect of the farm debt involved.
(2) A response under subsection (1) to a request for mediation may be in the form approved by the Secretary.
(3) If a creditor refuses to mediate with a farmer who has made a request under section 9—
(a) where the farmer is not in default, the refusal by the creditor does not, of itself, give rise to any claim or other consequence under this Act;
(b) where the farmer is in default, the refusal by the creditor provides the farmer with grounds to apply to the Small Business Commissioner under section 13 for the issue of a prohibition certificate.
(4) If a creditor agrees to mediate with a farmer who has made a request under section 9, the creditor must—
(a) by written notice, advise the Department that the parties have agreed to mediate; and
(b) provide the notice specified in paragraph (a) to the Department within 10 days after giving notice under subsection (1).