DoJ issues Policy Statement on the Incorporation of Mediation Clauses in Government Contracts
The Department of Justice (DoJ) issued a Policy Statement on the Incorporation of Mediation Clauses in Government Contracts today (November 6) to set out the Government's policy stance and approach on promoting the use of mediation to resolve conflicts in an amicable way, and to implement the policy initiative under the 2023 Policy Address on deepening mediation culture, consolidating the strategic positioning of Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region under the national policies.
The Government has been committed to promoting the development of mediation in Hong Kong, encouraging a wider use of mediation by all sectors as a flexible and constructive approach in resolving disputes outside the courts to produce mutually acceptable settlements while keeping the risks, costs and time in control. It can help build a harmonious and stable society and foster a culture that embraces mutual support, respect, harmony and inclusiveness.
To further promote mediation culture, the Mediation Clause Policy requires all government departments to incorporate mediation clauses in future government contracts, so as to further promote the use of mediation to resolve disputes first before resorting to arbitration or litigation.
The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said, "By taking the lead to incorporate mediation clauses in government contracts, the Government hopes to encourage private companies to include similar mediation clauses in their contracts, further promoting a 'mediate first' culture.
"In conjunction with the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation's headquarters in Hong Kong, the DoJ will continue to implement policy measures of deepening the mediation culture to build Hong Kong as the capital for international mediation."
The full policy statement can be found in the Annex to this press release.
DH invites proposals for Community Dental Support Programme
The Department of Health (DH) today (November 6) invited interested organisations to submit proposals for providing services under the Community Dental Support Programme (CDSP).
Organisational applicants interested in participating in the CDSP must meet all of the following requirements:
Be a non-profit-making entity exempted from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) on or before the application closing date;
Have established at least one clinic providing dental services to the public on or before the application closing date;
Ensure that the registered dentists providing services are registered with eHealth and enrolled in the Primary Care Directory; and
Be registered under Section 12 of the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156) on or before the application closing date.
In evaluating the submitted proposals, the DH will consider the requirements specified in the invitation documents.
The Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care of the Health Bureau indicated in its Interim Report that in order to address the high demand for dental service provided through General Public (GP) Sessions under the DH, a new service model should be developed in collaboration with non-governmental organisations to supplement the GP Sessions. In response, the Government will pilot a Community Dental Support Programme in 2025 to increase service capacity, add service points and expand service scope, targeting designated underprivileged groups with financial difficulties requiring GP Session services.
Interested applicants can collect invitation documents from the DH's Community Dental Service at Unit 01-P03, P08-09, 26/F, One Kowloon, 1 Wang Yuen Street, Kowloon Bay, or via email (aa1a_cds@dh.gov.hk).
Applications must be submitted to the DH's Community Dental Service at Unit 01-P03, P08-09, 26/F, One Kowloon, 1 Wang Yuen Street, Kowloon Bay, by 9.30 am on December 2, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. For enquiries, please call the Community Dental Service (2111 3465).
