I have been to many VCAT mediations and generally cannot complain about the mediators or the process.The mediators have very good knowledge of building, the law and the building contract.
I have met mediators that are: builders, architects, engineers or lawyers. It's a valuable service in an effort to settle the dispute (bang two heads together and get them to sign) before both parties are crippled by VCAT hearing costs (10K /day each side).
That is not to say that justice is done, it's not, but a business decision is done to settle and avoid further expense.
I have only been to VBA mediation once and it left me with a poor impression
There was nothing wrong with the mediator, a very competent negotiator but knew nothing about building , the regulations and the building act.
So when the builder put up a ridiculous argument flying in the face of building regulations the mediator was unable to defuse it by crunching the builder and putting him his place. Obstinacy continued and the mediation failed before it properly started and was a waste of everyone's time.
DBDRV is just another hoop unfortunate owners have to jump before they can file VCAT complaint.
I have yet to hear someone with a positive outcome.