Arbitration in Australia

On 9 March 2021, the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) released the inaugural Australian Arbitration Report (Report).

The Report analysed data obtained by ACICA and FTI Consulting in the inaugural Australian Arbitration Survey (Survey). The Survey collected data on arbitrations commenced, conducted and concluded in the period between 2017 and 2019 with an Australian ‘connection’ from 111 respondents.

Stay tuned as we explore some key findings from the report over the coming weeks.

Video: Diversity in Arbitration

Podcast

Arbitration in Australia is on the rise: Diversity in Arbitration

This is the first in our series exploring the findings in ACICA’s Australia Arbitration Survey. The survey unearthed some really promising data regarding the scale of arbitration activity occurring in Australia – most notably, it found evidence of 223 unique arbitrations active over a 3 year period with a combined value in dispute estimated at around $35 billion.

However, the survey also revealed some confronting statistics regarding the diversity of arbitrator appointments, notably, that more than 90% of arbitrators appointed to arbitrations with an Australian connection were male. Those arbitrators were similarly likely to be either Australian or English.

Our guests discuss these diversity statistics and the measures aimed at tackling this imbalance:

• Deborah Tomkinson, Secretary General, Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA)
• Paula Hodges, Head of Global Arbitration Practice, Herbert Smith Freehills
• Chad Catterwell, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills
• Guillermo Garcia-Perrote, Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills

Press release

Arbitration thrives in Australia as Herbert Smith Freehills leads the charge on improving gender diversity in the sector

Global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills has called for greater gender diversity in Australian arbitration following the release of a report that shows a wide gender disparity amongst Australian arbitrators.

Read more

Thought leadership

Explore our articles on Arbitration in Australia.

Arbitration is on the rise in Australia

On 9 March 2021, the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) released the inaugural Australian Arbitration Report. 

The Report analysed data obtained by ACICA and FTI Consulting in the inaugural Australian Arbitration Survey. The Survey collected data on arbitrations commenced, conducted and concluded in the period between 2017 and 2019 with an Australian ‘connection’ from 111 respondents.

Read More