Mandatory mediation a first step in settling neighbour disputes: Edwin Tong
The Straits Times|November 13, 2024
He says new laws will see more 'bite' given to settlement agreements once spats are resolved

The new laws to tackle disputes between neighbours aim to strengthen mediation and dialogue between neighbours, rather than have them look to the authorities to step in at every turn, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said.

This is why the Government was amending the Community Disputes Resolution Act to allow authorised officers to order neighbours to go for mediation, Mr Tong told Parliament on Nov 12.

It would encourage disputes to be amicably resolved, and addresses cases of neighbours who refuse to consider mediation, or do not show up for the mediation session despite agreeing to do so, he said.

This amendment was among the other changes to the Act meant to curb spats between neighbours that were passed in Parliament on Nov 12, following a debate that lasted over five hours.

Under the changes, a new Community Relations Unit (CRU) will be established, where officers will be given investigatory and enforcement powers to intervene in neighbour disputes; and the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) will also get enhanced powers to resolve cases brought before it more quickly and effectively.

Mr Tong told the House that the vast majority of disputes between neighbours are noise-related, pointing out that government agencies have received more than 90,000 such reports over the last three years, or an average of about 2,500 complaints a month.

Pointing to mediation facilitated by the Community Mediation Centre (CMC), he said this was quick, free and effective, noting that 80 per cent of voluntary mediation cases have been resolved. Since 2014, the centre has handled more than 2,400 cases.

He said the settlement rate may be lower when the changes are passed and neighbours are directed to go for mediation.

Esta historia es de la edición November 13, 2024 de The Straits Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición November 13, 2024 de The Straits Times.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE STRAITS TIMESVer todo
TACKLE PLASTIC WASTE, ONE NAIL AT A TIME
The Straits Times

TACKLE PLASTIC WASTE, ONE NAIL AT A TIME

Before global leaders take the problem of plastic pollution into their hands in November, Japanese manicurist Naomi Arimoto is putting it on her fingernails.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 29, 2024
Unpacking Ireland's cultural and creative renaissance
The Straits Times

Unpacking Ireland's cultural and creative renaissance

From Sally Rooney's bestsellers to actor Paul Mescal, Ireland, which holds a general election on Nov 29, has been enjoying a cultural and creative renaissance.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 29, 2024
Jung Ho-yeon and Lee Dong-hwi split
The Straits Times

Jung Ho-yeon and Lee Dong-hwi split

Squid Game (2021 to present) star Jung Ho-yeon has split from her actor-boyfriend Lee Dong-hwi after a nine-year relationship.

time-read
1 min  |
November 29, 2024
The Straits Times

Dorothy's ruby slippers to go under the hammer

The ruby slippers worn by the late American actress Judy Garland in classic film The Wizard Of Oz (1939) will be sold at auction in December, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.

time-read
1 min  |
November 29, 2024
Artist Julie Mehretu opens solo Show in Sydney
The Straits Times

Artist Julie Mehretu opens solo Show in Sydney

Ethiopia-born New York artist Julie Mehretu (right), considered one of the most influential living painters, has opened her first solo show in the Southern Hemisphere in Sydney.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 29, 2024
Wicked's renowned costume designer returns to Oz
The Straits Times

Wicked's renowned costume designer returns to Oz

Tony Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell first created costumes for The Wizard Of Oz in a high-school production

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 29, 2024
ULTIMATE SELF-CARE
The Straits Times

ULTIMATE SELF-CARE

'Tis the season to treat yourself at spas and salons, which have introduced a slew of treatments for head-to-toe pampering

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 29, 2024
Fifa using $67m legacy fund for social initiatives
The Straits Times

Fifa using $67m legacy fund for social initiatives

LAUSANNE - Fifa launched a US$50 million (S$67 million) legacy fund for social programmes on Nov 27, in collaboration with 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 29, 2024
THE MARATHON BIKER GUY
The Straits Times

THE MARATHON BIKER GUY

Veteran Aussie has cycled over 50 courses in 12 years to ensure the route is 42.195km

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 29, 2024
Emery upbeat despite late drama against Juve
The Straits Times

Emery upbeat despite late drama against Juve

DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 29, 2024