The Commercial Arbitration Act 2017 establishes a framework for resolving commercial disputes by private arbitration in the ACT, adapting the UNCITRAL Model Law for domestic use. It governs arbitration agreements, tribunal powers (including interim measures, evidence and costs), confidentiality, and recognition and enforcement of awards.
It chiefly affects contracting parties, arbitrators/arbitral institutions and courts (which retain specific supervisory and enforcement roles). It matters because it shifts dispute control into private tribunals while preserving limited judicial oversight to secure finality, enforcement and fair procedure.
This Act provides a comprehensive statutory regime for domestic commercial arbitration where the seat, or place, of arbitration is in the Australian Capital Territory, and it sets out the relationship between arbitral procedure and court supervision. Mechanically the Act does the following.
Establishes a statutory framework for domestic commercial arbitration, defining what counts as a domestic arbitration (s 1(3)) and concentrating most operative rules on arbitrations whose place is in the ACT (s 1(2)). A small set of provisions (for example s 8, s 9, ss 17H-17J, ss 35-36) apply irrespective of the ACT seat (s 1(2)).
Transposes, with variations, many of the UNCITRAL Model Law provisions into ACT law (see notes to Pt 1A and multiple section headings), while adapting particular rules to domestic context and ACT institutions (for example default number of arbitrators is one, s 10(2); and some Model Law articles are omitted or modified as indicated by notes in the Act).
Allocates a defined but limited role to courts. It states a broad principle of non‑intervention by courts in arbitration save where the Act provides (s 5), and lists a set of functions that are to be performed by the Supreme Court unless the parties have specifically agreed otherwise (s 6(1) and (2)). The court has powers to appoint arbitrators when the parties’ appointment procedure fails (s 11(3)-(5)), to hear certain challenges and applications (ss 13, 14, 16(9)-(10), 17H-17J, 27-27B, 27H-27J, 33D, 34, 34A), and to enforce or refuse enforcement of awards and interim measures (ss 35-36, 17H-17I).
Confers specific procedural powers on arbitral tribunals, including to rule on their own jurisdiction (s 16), order interim measures (s 17) subject to substantive conditions (s 17A), and make directions on procedure, evidence and costs (ss 19, 24, 26, 33B). It also authorises tribunals to order specific categories of interim relief (s 17(3)) and to require security for interim measures (s 17E).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Commercial Arbitration Act 2017.
91
1A
Name of Act
1A Name of Act
This Act is the Commercial Arbitration Act 2017.
1C
Paramount object of Act
1C Paramount object of Act
(1) The paramount object of this Act is to facilitate the fair and final
resolution of commercial disputes by impartial arbitral tribunals
without unnecessary delay or expense.
(2) This Act aims to achieve its paramount object by—
(a) enabling parties to agree about how their commercial disputes
are to be resolved (subject to subsection (3) and such safeguards
as are necessary in the public interest); and
Preliminary Part 1A
Section 1D
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(b) providing arbitration procedures that enable commercial
disputes to be resolved in a cost effective manner, informally
and quickly.
(3) This Act must be interpreted, and the functions of an arbitral tribunal
must be exercised, so that (as far as practicable) the paramount object
of this Act is achieved.
(4) Subsection (3) does not affect the application of the Legislation Act,
section 139 for the purposes of interpreting this Act.
1D
Act to bind Crown
1D Act to bind Crown
Note The Model Law includes a provision binding the Crown. The provision
is unnecessary in the ACT (see Legislation Act, s 121).
1E
Dictionary
1E Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this
Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined
elsewhere in this Act.
For example, the signpost definition ‘arbitration agreement—see section
7.’ means that the term ‘arbitration agreement’ is defined in that section
and the definition applies to this Act.
Note 2 A definition in the dictionary applies to the entire Act unless the
definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the
contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and
s 156 (1)).
Part 1A
Preliminary
Part 1A Preliminary
Section 1F
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1F
Notes
1F Notes
(1) A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
(2) In this section:
note includes material enclosed in brackets in section headings.
Note Some sections of this Act contain bracketed notes under their headings
(eg Model Law art 1) drawing attention to equivalent or comparable
(though not necessarily identical) provisions of the UNCITRAL Model
Law on International Commercial Arbitration.
General Provisions Part 1
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Part 1 General Provisions
1 Scope of application
(Model Law art 1)
(1) This Act applies to domestic commercial arbitrations.
Note The International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cwlth) covers international
commercial arbitrations and the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.
(2) The provisions of this Act, except section 8, section 9, section 17H,
section 17I, section 17J, section 35 and section 36, apply only if the
place of arbitration is in the ACT.
(3) An arbitration is domestic if—
(a) the parties to an arbitration agreement have, at the time of the
conclusion of that agreement, their places of business in
Australia; and
(b) the parties have (whether in the arbitration agreement or in any
other document in writing) agreed that any dispute that has
arisen or may arise between them is to be settled by arbitration;
and
(c) it is not an arbitration to which the Model Law (as given effect
by the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cwlth)) applies.
(4) For subsection (3)—
(a) if a party has more than 1 place of business, the place of business
is that which has the closest relationship to the arbitration
agreement; and
(b) if a party does not have a place of business, reference is to be
made to the party’s habitual residence.
(5) This Act does not affect any other Act by virtue of which certain
disputes may not be submitted to arbitration or may be submitted to
arbitration only according to provisions other than those of this Act.
Part 1 General Provisions
Section 2
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(6) Subject to subsection (5), this Act applies to arbitrations provided for
in any other Act as if—
(a) the other Act were an arbitration agreement; and
(b) the arbitration were pursuant to an arbitration agreement; and
(c) the parties to the dispute which, by virtue of the other Act, is
referred to arbitration were the parties to the arbitration
agreement;
except in so far as the other Act otherwise indicates or requires.
Note 1 A note to the model law states that the term ‘commercial’ should be given
a wide interpretation so as to cover matters arising from all relationships
of a commercial nature, whether contractual or not. Relationships of a
commercial nature include, but are not limited to, the following
transactions: any trade transaction for the supply or exchange of goods or
services; distribution agreement; commercial representation or agency;
factoring; leasing; construction of works; consulting; engineering;
licensing; investment; financing; banking; insurance; exploitation
agreement or concession; joint venture and other forms of industrial or
business co-operation; carriage of goods or passengers by air, sea, rail or
road.
Note 2 This section differs from the Model Law to the extent necessary to apply
art 1 as incorporated in this Act to domestic commercial arbitrations.
Section 40 contains provisions that also relate to the application of this
Act.
2 Rules of interpretation
(Model Law art 2)
(1) [omitted]
Note This section differs from the Model Law to the extent that the definitions
in art 2 (1) are set out in the dictionary to this Act.
(2) Where a provision of this Act, except section 28, leaves the parties
free to determine a certain issue, such freedom includes the right of
the parties to authorise a third-party, including an institution, to make
that determination.
General Provisions Part 1
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(3) Where a provision of this Act refers to the fact that the parties have
agreed or that they may agree or in any other way refers to an
agreement of the parties, such agreement includes any arbitration
rules referred to in that agreement.
(4) Where a provision of this Act, other than section 25 (1) (a) and section
32 (2) (a), refers to a claim, it also applies to a counter-claim, and
where it refers to a defence, it also applies to a defence to such
counter-claim.
2A
International origin and general principles
2A International origin and general principles
(Model Law art 2A)
(1) Subject to section 1C, in the interpretation of this Act, regard is to be
had to the need to promote, so far as practicable, uniformity between
the application of this Act to domestic commercial arbitrations and
the application of the provisions of the Model Law (as given effect
by the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cwlth)) to international
commercial arbitrations and the observance of good faith.
Note This section differs from the Model Law. Art 2A (1) has been changed as
a consequence of the application of the Act to domestic (instead of
international) commercial arbitrations. Art 2A (2) is omitted because it is
covered by the provision referred to in section 1C (4). Subsections (3)
and (4) reflect the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cwlth), s 17.
(2) [omitted]
(3) Without limiting subsection (1), in interpreting this Act, reference
may be made to documents of—
(a) the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law that
relate to the Model Law; and
(b) the Commission’s working groups for the preparation of the
Model Law.
Part 1 General Provisions
Section 3
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(4) Subsection (3) does not affect the application of the Legislation Act,
section 141 (Non-legislative context generally) or section 142
(Non-legislative context—material that may be considered) for the
purposes of interpreting this Act.
3 Receipt of written communications
(Model Law art 3)
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties—
(a) any written communication is taken to be received if—
(i) it is delivered to the addressee personally; or
(ii) it is delivered to the addressee’s place of business, habitual
residence or mailing address; or
(iii) if none of these can be found after making a reasonable
inquiry—it is delivered to the addressee’s last-known place
of business, habitual residence or mailing address by
registered letter or any other means which provides a
record of the attempt to deliver it; and
(b) the communication is taken to have been received on the day it
is delivered.
(2) The provisions of this section do not apply to communications in
court proceedings.
4 Waiver of right to object
(Model Law art 4)
A party who knows that any provision of this Act from which the
parties may derogate or any requirement under the arbitration
agreement has not been complied with and yet proceeds with the
arbitration without stating the party’s objection to such
non-compliance without undue delay or, if a time-limit is provided
for stating the party’s objection, within such period of time, is taken
to have waived the party’s right to object.
General Provisions Part 1
Section 5
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5 Extent of court intervention
(Model Law art 5)
In matters governed by this Act, no court must intervene except where
so provided by this Act.
6 Court for certain functions of arbitration assistance and
supervision
(Model Law art 6)
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the functions referred to in the following
sections must be performed by the Supreme Court:
(a) section 11 (3) and (4);
(b) section 13 (4);
(c) section 14 (2);
(d) section 16 (9);
(e) section 17H, section 17I and section 17J;
(f) section 19 (6);
(g) section 27, section 27A, section 27B, section 27H, section 27I
and section 27J;
(h) section 33D, section 34 and section 34A.
(2) If—
(a) an arbitration agreement provides that the Magistrates Court is
to have jurisdiction under this Act; or
Part 1
General Provisions
Part 1 General Provisions
Section 6
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(b) the parties to an arbitration agreement have agreed, in writing,
that the Magistrates Court is to have jurisdiction under this Act
and that agreement is in force;
the functions are to be performed, in relation to that agreement, by the
Magistrates Court, as the case requires.
Note This section differs from the Model Law to the extent that it relates to
functions conferred on the court with respect to domestic commercial
arbitrations that are not referred to in the Model Law.
Arbitration agreement Part 2
Section 7
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Part 2 Arbitration agreement
7
Definition and form of arbitration agreement
7 Definition and form of arbitration agreement
(Model Law art 7)
(1) An arbitration agreement is an agreement by the parties to submit to
arbitration all or certain disputes which have arisen or which may
arise between them in respect of a defined legal relationship, whether
contractual or not.
(2) An arbitration agreement may be in the form of an arbitration clause
in a contract or in the form of a separate agreement.
(3) The arbitration agreement must be in writing.
(4) An arbitration agreement is in writing if its content is recorded in any
form, whether or not the arbitration agreement or contract has been
concluded orally, by conduct, or by other means.
(5) The requirement that an arbitration agreement be in writing is met by
an electronic communication if the information contained in it is
accessible so as to be useable for subsequent reference.
(6) Also, an arbitration agreement is in writing if it is contained in an
exchange of statements of claim and defence in which the existence
of an agreement is alleged by 1 party and not denied by the other.
(7) The reference in a contract to any document containing an arbitration
clause constitutes an arbitration agreement in writing, provided that
the reference is such as to make that clause part of the contract.
Part 2
Arbitration agreement
Part 2 Arbitration agreement
Section 8
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(8) In this section:
data message means information generated, sent, received or stored
by electronic, magnetic, optical or similar means, including, but not
limited to, electronic data interchange (EDI), electronic mail,
telegram or telecopy.
electronic communication means any communication that the parties
make by means of data messages.
Note This section is substantially the same as Option 1 set out in the Model
Law, art 7.
8
Arbitration agreement and substantive claim before court
8 Arbitration agreement and substantive claim before court
(Model Law art 8)
(1) A court before which an action is brought in a matter which is the
subject of an arbitration agreement must, if a party so requests not
later than when submitting the party’s first statement on the substance
of the dispute, refer the parties to arbitration unless it finds that the
agreement is null and void, inoperative or incapable of being
performed.
(2) Where an action referred to in subsection (1) has been brought,
arbitral proceedings may nevertheless be commenced or continued,
and an award may be made, while the issue is pending before the
court.
9
Arbitration agreement and interim measures by court
9 Arbitration agreement and interim measures by court
(Model Law art 9)
It is not incompatible with an arbitration agreement for a party to
request, before or during arbitral proceedings, from a court an interim
measure of protection and for a court to grant the measure.
Composition of arbitral tribunal Part 3
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Part 3 Composition of arbitral tribunal
10
Number of arbitrators
10 Number of arbitrators
(Model Law art 10)
(1) The parties are free to determine the number of arbitrators.
(2) Failing such determination, the number of arbitrators is to be 1.
Note Subsection (2) differs from the Model Law, art 10 (2), which provides for
3 arbitrators if the parties do not determine the number of arbitrators.
11
Appointment of arbitrators
11 Appointment of arbitrators
(Model Law art 11)
(1) [omitted]
Note The Model Law, art 11 (1) (which provides that no person is precluded
by nationality from acting as an arbitrator unless otherwise agreed by the
parties) has been omitted.
(2) The parties are free to agree on a procedure of appointing the
arbitrator or arbitrators, subject to subsections (4) and (5).
(3) Failing such agreement—
(a) in an arbitration with 3 arbitrators and 2 parties, each party is to
appoint 1 arbitrator, and the 2 arbitrators so appointed are to
appoint the third arbitrator and if a party fails to appoint the
arbitrator within 30 days of receipt of a request to do so from the
other party, or if the 2 arbitrators fail to agree on the third
arbitrator within 30 days of their appointment, the appointment
is to be made, on the request of a party, by the court; and
(b) in an arbitration with a sole arbitrator, if the parties are unable
to agree on the arbitrator, an arbitrator is to be appointed, on the
request of a party, by the court; and
(c) in an arbitration with 2, 4 or more arbitrators or with 3 arbitrators
and more than 2 parties the appointment is to be made, at the
request of a party, by the court.
Part 3 Composition of arbitral tribunal
Section 11
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(4) Where, under an appointment procedure agreed on by the parties—
(a) a party fails to act as required under the procedure; or
(b) the parties, or 2 or more arbitrators, are unable to reach an
agreement expected of them under the procedure; or
(c) a third-party, including an institution, fails to perform any
function entrusted to it under the procedure;
any party may request the court to take the necessary measure, unless
the agreement on the appointment procedure provides other means
for securing the appointment.
(5) A decision within the limits of the court’s authority on a matter
entrusted by subsection (3) or (4) to the court is final.
(6) The court, in appointing an arbitrator, is to have due regard to any
qualifications required of the arbitrator by the agreement of the
parties and to such considerations as are likely to secure the
appointment of an independent and impartial arbitrator.
Note This section (other than ss (3) (c), (5) and (6)) is substantially the same
as the Model Law, art 11. Subsection (3) (c) is added to cover the
contingency of the parties failing to agree on the procedure to appoint
arbitrators in certain circumstances not covered by the Model Law as
incorporated in this Act. It is based on the Arbitration Act 1996 (NZ), sch
1, cl 11 (6). Subsection (5) makes it clear that, although a decision of the
court is generally final, review of a decision of the court that is not made
within the limits of its powers and functions is not precluded. Subsection
(6) does not include the requirement in the Model Law, art 11 (5) that the
court take into account the advisability of appointing an arbitrator of a
nationality other than those of the parties in appointing a sole or third
arbitrator as this is not relevant in the context of domestic commercial
arbitrations.
Composition of arbitral tribunal Part 3
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12
Grounds for challenge
12 Grounds for challenge
(Model Law art 12)
(1) When a person is approached in connection with the person’s possible
appointment as an arbitrator, the person must disclose any
circumstances likely to give rise to justifiable doubts as to the
person’s impartiality or independence.
(2) An arbitrator, from the time of the arbitrator’s appointment and
throughout the arbitral proceedings, must without delay disclose any
circumstances of the kind referred to in subsection (1) to the parties
unless they have already been informed of them by the arbitrator.
(3) An arbitrator may be challenged only if circumstances exist that give
rise to justifiable doubts as to the arbitrator’s impartiality or
independence, or if the arbitrator does not possess qualifications
agreed to by the parties.
(4) A party may challenge an arbitrator appointed by the party, or in
whose appointment the party has participated, only for reasons of
which the party becomes aware after the appointment has been made.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (1), there are justifiable doubts as to
the impartiality or independence of a person approached in
connection with a possible appointment as arbitrator only if there is a
real danger of bias on the part of the person in conducting the
arbitration.
(6) For the purposes of subsection (3), there are justifiable doubts as to
the impartiality or independence of an arbitrator only if there is a real
danger of bias on the part of the arbitrator in conducting the
arbitration.
Note This section (other than ss (5) and (6)) is substantially the same as the
Model Law, art 12. Subsections (5) and (6) provide that the test for
whether there are justifiable doubts as to the impartiality or independence
of a person or arbitrator is whether there is a real danger of bias.
Part 3
Composition of arbitral tribunal
Part 3 Composition of arbitral tribunal
Section 13
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13
Challenge procedure
13 Challenge procedure
(Model Law art 13)
(1) The parties are free to agree on a procedure for challenging an
arbitrator, subject to subsection (4).
(2) Failing such agreement, a party who intends to challenge an arbitrator
must, within 15 days after becoming aware of the constitution of the
arbitral tribunal or after becoming aware of any circumstance referred
to in section 12 (3), send a written statement of the reasons for the
challenge to the arbitral tribunal.
(3) Unless the challenged arbitrator withdraws from office or the other
party agrees to the challenge, the arbitral tribunal must decide on the
challenge.
(4) If a challenge under any procedure agreed on by the parties or under
the procedure of subsections (2) and (3) is not successful, the
challenging party may request, within 30 days after having received
notice of the decision rejecting the challenge, the court to decide on
the challenge.
(5) A decision of the court under subsection (4) that is within the limits
of the authority of the court is final.
(6) While a request under subsection (4) is pending, the arbitral tribunal,
including the challenged arbitrator, may continue the arbitral
proceedings and make an award.
Note This section (other than s (5)) is substantially the same as art 13 of the
Model Law. Subsection (5) makes it clear that, although a decision of the
court is generally final, review of a decision of the court that is not made
within the limits of its powers and functions is not precluded.
Composition of arbitral tribunal Part 3
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14
Failure or impossibility to act
14 Failure or impossibility to act
(Model Law art 14)
(1) If an arbitrator becomes in law or in fact unable to perform the
arbitrator’s functions or for other reasons fails to act without undue
delay, the arbitrator’s mandate terminates if the arbitrator withdraws
from office or if the parties agree on the termination.
(2) Otherwise, if a controversy remains concerning any of these grounds,
any party may request the court to decide on the termination of the
mandate.
(3) A decision of the court under subsection (2) that is within the limits
of the authority of the court is final.
(4) If, under this section or section 13 (3), an arbitrator withdraws from
office or a party agrees to the termination of the mandate of an
arbitrator, this does not imply acceptance of the validity of any ground
referred to in this section or section 12 (3).
Note This section (other than s (3)) is substantially the same as the Model Law,
art 14. Subsection (3) makes it clear that, although a decision of the court
is generally final, review of a decision of the court that is not made within
the limits of its powers and functions is not precluded.
15
Appointment of substitute arbitrator
15 Appointment of substitute arbitrator
(Model Law art 15)
Where the mandate of an arbitrator terminates under section 13 or
section 14 or because of the arbitrator’s withdrawal from office for
any other reason or because of the revocation of the arbitrator’s
mandate by agreement of the parties or in any other case of
termination of the arbitrator’s mandate, a substitute arbitrator must be
appointed according to the rules that were applicable to the
appointment of the arbitrator being replaced.
Part 4 Jurisdiction of arbitral tribunal
Section 16
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Part 4
Jurisdiction of arbitral tribunal
Part 4 Jurisdiction of arbitral tribunal
16
Competence of arbitral tribunal to rule on its jurisdiction
16 Competence of arbitral tribunal to rule on its jurisdiction
(Model Law art 16)
(1) The arbitral tribunal may rule on its own jurisdiction, including any
objections with respect to the existence or validity of the arbitration
agreement.
(2) For that purpose, an arbitration clause which forms part of a contract
is to be treated as an agreement independent of the other terms of the
contract.
(3) A decision by the arbitral tribunal that the contract is null and void
does not of itself entail the invalidity of the arbitration clause.
Note The Model Law provides that such a decision does not ‘ipso jure’ entail
the invalidity of the arbitration clause.
(4) A plea that the arbitral tribunal does not have jurisdiction must be
raised not later than the submission of the statement of defence.
(5) A party is not precluded from raising such a plea by the fact that the
party has appointed, or participated in the appointment of, an
arbitrator.
(6) A plea that the arbitral tribunal is exceeding the scope of its authority
must be raised as soon as the matter alleged to be beyond the scope
of its authority is raised during the arbitral proceedings.
(7) The arbitral tribunal may, in the case of a plea referred to in
subsection (4) or (6), admit a later plea if it considers the delay
justified.
(8) The arbitral tribunal may rule on a plea referred to in subsection (4)
or (6) either as a preliminary question or in an award on the merits.
(9) If the arbitral tribunal rules as a preliminary question that it has
jurisdiction, any party may request, within 30 days after having
received notice of that ruling, the court to decide the matter.
Jurisdiction of arbitral tribunal Part 4
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(10) A decision of the court under subsection (9) that is within the limits
of the authority of the court is final.
(11) While a request under subsection (9) is pending, the arbitral tribunal
may continue the arbitral proceedings and make an award.
Note This section (other than s (10)) is substantially the same as the Model
Law, art 16. Subsection (10) makes it clear that, although a decision of
the court is generally final, review of a decision of the court that is not
made within the limits of its powers and functions is not precluded.
Part 4A Interim measures
Division 1 Interim measures
Section 17
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Part 4A Interim measures
Div 1
Interim measures
Division 1 Interim measures
17
Power of arbitral tribunal to order interim measures
17 Power of arbitral tribunal to order interim measures
(Model Law art 17)
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitral tribunal may, at
the request of a party, grant interim measures.
(2) An interim measure is any temporary measure, whether in the form
of an award or in another form, by which, at any time prior to the
issuance of the award by which the dispute is finally decided, the
arbitral tribunal orders a party to—
(a) maintain or restore the status quo pending determination of the
dispute; or
(b) take action that would prevent, or refrain from taking action that
is likely to cause, current or imminent harm or prejudice to the
arbitral process itself; or
(c) provide a means of preserving assets out of which a subsequent
award may be satisfied; or
(d) preserve evidence that may be relevant and material to the
resolution of the dispute.
(3) Without limiting subsection (2), the arbitral tribunal may make orders
with respect to any of the following:
(a) security for costs;
(b) discovery of documents and interrogatories;
(c) giving of evidence by affidavit;
(d) the inspection of any property which is or forms part of the
subject-matter of the dispute;
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Interim measures Division 1
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(e) the taking of photographs of any property which is or forms part
of the subject-matter of the dispute;
(f) samples to be taken from, or any observation to be made of or
experiment conducted on, any property which is or forms part
of the subject-matter of the dispute;
(g) dividing, recording and strictly enforcing the time allocated for
a hearing between the parties (a stop clock arbitration).
Note Subsections (1) and (2) are substantially the same as the Model Law,
art 17. There is no equivalent s (3) in the Model Law.
17A
Conditions for granting interim measures
17A Conditions for granting interim measures
(Model Law art 17A)
(1) The party requesting an interim measure under section 17 (2) (a), (b)
or (c) must satisfy the arbitral tribunal that—
(a) harm not adequately reparable by an award of damages is likely
to result if the measure is not ordered, and that harm
substantially outweighs the harm that is likely to result to the
party against whom the measure is directed if the measure is
granted; and
(b) there is a reasonable possibility that the requesting party will
succeed on the merits of the claim.
(2) The determination on the possibility referred to in subsection (1) (b)
does not affect the discretion of the arbitral tribunal in making any
subsequent determination.
(3) With regard to a request for an interim measure under
section 17 (2) (d), the requirements in subsection (1) (a) and (b) and
subsection (2) apply only to the extent the arbitral tribunal considers
appropriate.
Part 4A Interim measures
Division 2 Preliminary orders
Section 17B
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Div 2
Preliminary orders
Division 2 Preliminary orders
17B
Applications for preliminary orders and conditions for
17B Applications for preliminary orders and conditions for
granting preliminary orders
(Model Law art 17B)
[omitted]
Note The Model Law, art 17B, which provides for ex parte requests for interim
measures together with applications for preliminary orders directing
parties not to frustrate the interim measures, has been omitted.
17C
Specific regime for preliminary orders
17C Specific regime for preliminary orders
(Model Law art 17C)
[omitted]
Note The Model Law, art 17C, which contains safeguards for the party against
whom a preliminary order is directed under art 17B, is omitted as a
consequence of the omission of art 17B.
Div 3
Provisions applicable to interim
Division 3 Provisions applicable to interim
measures
17D
Modification, suspension, termination
17D Modification, suspension, termination
(Model Law art 17D)
The arbitral tribunal may modify, suspend or terminate an interim
measure it has granted, on application of any party or, in exceptional
circumstances and on prior notice to the parties, on the arbitral
tribunal’s own initiative.
Note This section is substantially the same as the Model Law, art 17D but
contains no reference to preliminary orders as a consequence of this Act
not including an equivalent of the Model Law, art 17B and art 17C.
Interim measures Part 4A
Provisions applicable to interim measures Division 3
Section 17E
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17E
Provision of security
17E Provision of security
(Model Law art 17E)
(1) The arbitral tribunal may require the party requesting an interim
measure to provide appropriate security in connection with the
measure.
(2) [omitted]
Note Subsection (1) is the same as the Model Law, art 17E (1). Art 17E (2) is
omitted as a consequence of this Act not including equivalents to the
Model Law, art 17B and art 17C.
17F
Disclosure
17F Disclosure
(Model Law art 17F)
(1) The arbitral tribunal may require any party promptly to disclose any
material change in the circumstances on the basis of which the
measure was requested or granted.
(2) [omitted]
Note Subsection (1) is the same as the Model Law, art 17F (1). Art 17F (2) is
omitted as a consequence of this Act not including equivalents to the
Model Law, art 17B and art 17C.
17G
Costs and damages
17G Costs and damages
(Model Law art 17G)
(1) The party requesting an interim measure is liable for any costs and
damages caused by the measure to any party if the arbitral tribunal
later determines that, in the circumstances, the measure should not
have been granted.
(2) The arbitral tribunal may award such costs and damages at any point
during the proceedings.
Note This section is substantially the same as the Model Law, art 17G but the
reference to applications for preliminary orders is omitted as a
consequence of this Act not including equivalents to the Model Law,
art 17B and art 17C.
Part 4A Interim measures
Division 4 Recognition and enforcement of interim measures
Section 17H
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Div 4
Recognition and enforcement of
Division 4 Recognition and enforcement of
interim measures
17H
Recognition and enforcement
17H Recognition and enforcement
(Model Law art 17H)
(1) An interim measure issued by an arbitral tribunal under the law of the
Territory is to be recognised as binding and, unless otherwise
provided by the arbitral tribunal, enforced on application to the court,
subject to the provisions of section 17I.
(2) An interim measure issued by an arbitral tribunal under the law of a
State or another Territory is to be recognised as binding in the ACT
and, unless otherwise provided by the arbitral tribunal, enforced on
application to the court, irrespective of the State or other Territory in
which it was issued, subject to the provisions of section 17I.
(3) The party who is seeking or has obtained recognition or enforcement
of an interim measure must promptly inform the court of any
termination, suspension or modification of that interim measure.
(4) The court may, if it considers it proper, order the requesting party to
provide appropriate security if the arbitral tribunal has not already
made a determination with respect to security or where such a
decision is necessary to protect the rights of third parties.
Note This section differs from the Model Law, art 17H to the extent necessary
to apply art 17H as incorporated in this Act in the context of domestic
commercial arbitrations.
Interim measures Part 4A
Recognition and enforcement of interim measures Division 4
Section 17I
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17I
Grounds for refusing recognition or enforcement
17I Grounds for refusing recognition or enforcement
(Model Law art 17I)
(1) Recognition or enforcement of an interim measure may be refused
only—
(a) at the request of the party against whom it is invoked if the court
is satisfied that—
(i) such a refusal is warranted on the grounds set out in section
36 (1) (a) (i) to (iv); or
(ii) the arbitral tribunal’s decision with respect to the provision
of security in connection with the interim measure issued
by the arbitral tribunal has not been complied with; or
(iii) the interim measure has been terminated or suspended by
the arbitral tribunal or, where so empowered, by the court
of the State or other Territory in which the arbitration takes
place or under the law of which that interim measure was
granted; or
(b) if the court finds that—
(i) the interim measure is incompatible with the powers
conferred on the court unless the court decides to
reformulate the interim measure to the extent necessary to
adapt it to its own powers and procedures for the purposes
of enforcing that interim measure and without modifying
its substance; or
(ii) any of the grounds set out in section 36 (1) (b) (i) or (ii)
apply to the recognition and enforcement of the interim
measure.
(2) Any determination made by the court on any ground in subsection (1)
is effective only for the purposes of the application to recognise and
enforce the interim measure.
Part 4A
Interim measures
Part 4A Interim measures
Division 5 Court-ordered interim measures
Section 17J
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(3) The court must not, in making a determination with respect to the
recognition or enforcement sought, undertake a review of the
substance of the interim measure.
Note This section is substantially the same as the Model Law, art 17I but has
been modified to the extent necessary to apply art 17I as incorporated in
this Act in the context of domestic commercial arbitrations.
Div 5
Court-ordered interim measures
Division 5 Court-ordered interim measures
17J
Court-ordered interim measures
17J Court-ordered interim measures
(Model Law art 17J)
(1) The court has the same power of issuing an interim measure in
relation to arbitration proceedings as it has in relation to proceedings
in courts.
(2) The court is to exercise the power in accordance with its own
procedures taking into account the specific features of a domestic
commercial arbitration.
Note This section is substantially the same as the Model Law, art 17J but has
been modified to the extent necessary to apply art 17J as incorporated in
this Act in the context of domestic commercial arbitrations.
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Part 5 Conduct of arbitral proceedings
18
Equal treatment of parties
18 Equal treatment of parties
(Model Law art 18)
The parties must be treated with equality and each party must be given
a reasonable opportunity of presenting the party’s case.
Note This section differs from the Model Law to the extent that it requires a
party to be given a ‘reasonable’, instead of ‘full’, opportunity of
presenting the party’s case.
19
Determination of rules of procedure
19 Determination of rules of procedure
(Model Law art 19)
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the parties are free to agree on
the procedure to be followed by the arbitral tribunal in conducting the
proceedings.
(2) Failing such agreement, the arbitral tribunal may, subject to the
provisions of this Act, conduct the arbitration in such manner as it
considers appropriate.
(3) The power conferred on the arbitral tribunal includes the power to
determine the admissibility, relevance, materiality and weight of any
evidence.
(4) The power conferred on the tribunal also includes the power to make
orders or give directions for the examination of a party or witness on
oath or affirmation.
(5) For the purposes of the exercise of the power referred to in subsection
(4), the arbitral tribunal may administer any necessary oath or take
any necessary affirmation.
(6) An order made or direction given by an arbitral tribunal in the course
of arbitral proceedings is, by leave of the court, enforceable in the
same manner as if it were an order of the court and, where leave is so
given, judgment may be entered in terms of the order or direction.
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Section 20
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20
Place of arbitration
20 Place of arbitration
(Model Law art 20)
(1) The parties are free to agree on the place of arbitration.
(2) Failing such agreement, the place of arbitration is to be determined
by the arbitral tribunal having regard to the circumstances of the case,
including the convenience of the parties.
(3) Despite subsection (1), the arbitral tribunal may, unless otherwise
agreed by the parties, meet at any place (whether or not in the ACT)
it considers appropriate for consultation among its members, for
hearing witnesses, experts or the parties, or for inspection of goods,
other property or documents.
21
Commencement of arbitral proceedings
21 Commencement of arbitral proceedings
(Model Law art 21)
Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitral proceedings in
respect of a particular dispute commence on the date on which a
request for that dispute to be referred to arbitration is received by the
respondent.
22
Language
22 Language
(Model Law art 22)
(1) The parties are free to agree on the language or languages to be used
in the arbitral proceedings.
(2) Failing agreement as referred to in subsection (1), the arbitral tribunal
is to determine the language or languages to be used in the
proceedings.
(3) This agreement or determination, unless otherwise specified in the
agreement or determination, is to apply to any written statement by a
party, any hearing and any award, decision or other communication
by the arbitral tribunal.
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(4) The arbitral tribunal may order that any documentary evidence is to
be accompanied by a translation into the language or languages
agreed on by the parties or determined by the arbitral tribunal.
23 Statements of claim and defence
(Model Law art 23)
(1) Subject to any contrary agreement of the parties or a direction of the
arbitral tribunal, within the period of time agreed by the parties or
determined by the arbitral tribunal, the claimant must state the facts
supporting his or her claim, the points at issue and the relief or remedy
sought, and the respondent must state the respondent’s defence in
respect of these particulars, unless the parties have otherwise agreed
as to the required elements of such statements.
(2) The parties may submit with their statements all documents they
consider to be relevant or may add a reference to the documents or
other evidence they will submit.
(3) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, either party may amend or
supplement the party’s claim or defence during the course of the
arbitral proceedings, unless the arbitral tribunal considers it
inappropriate to allow such amendment having regard to the delay in
making it.
(4) Subsection (1) does not require a statement by a claimant or
respondent to be in a particular form.
24
Hearings and written proceedings
24 Hearings and written proceedings
(Model Law art 24)
(1) Subject to any contrary agreement by the parties, the arbitral tribunal
is to decide whether to hold oral hearings for the presentation of
evidence or for oral argument, or whether the proceedings are to be
conducted on the basis of documents and other materials.
(2) However, unless the parties have agreed that no hearings are to be
held, the arbitral tribunal must hold such hearings at an appropriate
stage of the proceedings, if so requested by a party.
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Section 24A
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(3) The parties must be given sufficient advance notice of any hearing
and of any meeting of the arbitral tribunal for the purposes of
inspection of goods, other property or documents.
(4) All statements, documents or other information supplied to the
arbitral tribunal by 1 party must be communicated to the other party.
(5) Also, any expert report or evidentiary document on which the arbitral
tribunal may rely in making its decision must be communicated to the
parties.
24A
Representation
24A Representation
(1) The parties may appear or act in person, or may be represented by
another person of their choice, in any oral hearings under section 24.
(2) A person who is not an Australian legal practitioner does not commit
an offence under, or breach the provisions of, the Legal Profession
Act 2006 or any other Act merely by representing a party in arbitral
proceedings in the ACT.
Note There is no equivalent of this section in the Model Law.
24B
General duties of parties
24B General duties of parties
(1) The parties must do all things necessary for the proper and
expeditious conduct of the arbitral proceedings.
(2) Without limitation, the parties must without undue delay—
(a) comply with any order or direction of the arbitral tribunal with
respect to any procedural, evidentiary or other matter; and
(b) take any necessary steps to obtain a decision (if required) of the
court with respect to any function conferred on the court under
section 6.
(3) A party must not wilfully do, or cause to be done, any act to delay or
prevent an award being made.
Note There is no equivalent of this section in the Model Law.
Conduct of arbitral proceedings Part 5
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25
Default of a party
25 Default of a party
(Model Law art 25)
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, without showing sufficient
cause—
(a) if the claimant fails to communicate the claimant’s statement of
claim in accordance with section 23 (1)—the arbitral tribunal
may terminate the proceedings; or
(b) if the respondent fails to communicate the respondent’s
statement of defence in accordance with section 23 (1)—the
arbitral tribunal may continue the proceedings without treating
such failure in itself as an admission of the claimant’s
allegations; or
(c) if any party fails to appear at a hearing or to produce
documentary evidence—the arbitral tribunal may continue the
proceedings and make the award on the evidence before it.
(2) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, if a party fails to do any other
thing necessary for the proper and expeditious conduct of the
arbitration the arbitral tribunal may—
(a) if satisfied that there has been inordinate and inexcusable delay
on the part of the claimant in pursuing the claim—make an
award dismissing the claim or may give directions (with or
without conditions) for the speedy determination of the claim;
or
(b) if without sufficient cause a party fails to comply with any order
or direction of the arbitral tribunal—make an order requiring the
party to comply with the terms of the earlier order or direction
within the period specified by the arbitral tribunal (a peremptory
order).
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Section 26
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(3) If a party fails to comply with a peremptory order, the arbitral tribunal
may do any of the following:
(a) direct that the party in default is not to be entitled to rely on any
allegation or material which was the subject matter of the
peremptory order;
(b) draw such adverse inferences from the failure to comply as the
circumstances justify;
(c) proceed to an award on the basis of any materials that have been
properly provided to the arbitral tribunal;
(d) without limiting section 33B (4), in making an award give any
direction or order that it thinks fit as to the payment of the costs
of the arbitration incurred in consequence of the
non-compliance.
Note Subsection (1) is substantially the same as the Model Law, art 25. There
are no equivalents to the other provisions of the section in the Model Law.
26
Expert appointed by arbitral tribunal
26 Expert appointed by arbitral tribunal
(Model Law art 26)
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitral tribunal may—
(a) appoint 1 or more experts to report to it on specific issues to be
determined by the arbitral tribunal; and
(b) require a party to give the expert any relevant information or to
produce, or to provide access to, any relevant documents, goods
or other property for the expert’s inspection.
(2) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, if a party so requests or if the
arbitral tribunal considers it necessary, the expert must, after delivery
of the expert’s written or oral report, participate in a hearing where
the parties have the opportunity to put questions to the expert and
present expert witnesses in order to testify on the points at issue.
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27
Court assistance in taking evidence
27 Court assistance in taking evidence
(Model Law art 27)
(1) The arbitral tribunal or a party with the approval of the arbitral
tribunal may request from the court assistance in taking evidence.
(2) The court may execute the request within its competence and subject
to and in accordance with rules of court.
27A
Parties may obtain subpoenas
27A Parties may obtain subpoenas
(1) The court may, on the application of any party, and subject to and in
accordance with rules of court, issue a subpoena requiring a person—
(a) to attend for examination before the arbitral tribunal; or
(b) to produce to the arbitral tribunal the documents specified in the
subpoena; or
(c) to do both of those things.
(2) A party may only make an application to the court under
subsection (1) with the permission of the arbitral tribunal.
(3) A person must not be compelled under any subpoena issued in
accordance with subsection (1) to answer any question or produce any
document that the person could not be compelled to answer or
produce in a proceeding before the court.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
27B
Refusal or failure to attend before arbitral tribunal or to
27B Refusal or failure to attend before arbitral tribunal or to
produce document
(1) For this section, a person is a person in default in relation to
proceedings before an arbitral tribunal under an arbitration agreement
if the person fails to—
(a) attend before the arbitral tribunal for examination when required
under a subpoena or by the arbitral tribunal to do so; or
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(b) produce a document that the person is required under a subpoena
or by the arbitral tribunal to produce; or
(c) when appearing as a witness before the arbitral tribunal—
(i) take an oath or to make an affirmation or affidavit when
required by the arbitral tribunal to do so; or
(ii) answer a question that the witness is required by the
arbitral tribunal to answer; or
(d) do any other thing which the arbitral tribunal may require.
Note Fail includes refuse (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).
(2) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the court may, on the
application of a party or the arbitral tribunal, order a person in default
to do any or all of the following:
(a) attend the court to be examined as a witness;
(b) produce the relevant document to the court;
(c) do the relevant thing.
(3) A party may only make an application to the court under
subsection (2) with the permission of the arbitral tribunal.
(4) The court must not make an order under subsection (2) in relation to
a person who is not a party to the arbitral proceedings unless—
(a) before the order is made, the person is given an opportunity to
make representations to the court; and
(b) the court is satisfied that it is reasonable in all the circumstances
to make the order.
(5) A person must not be compelled under an order made under
subsection (2) to answer any question or produce any document
which the person could not be compelled to answer or produce in a
proceeding before the court.
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(6) If the court makes an order under subsection (2), it may in addition
make orders for the transmission to the arbitral tribunal of any of the
following:
(a) a record of any evidence given under the order;
(b) any document produced under the order or a copy of any such
document;
(c) particulars of any thing done under the order.
(7) Any evidence, document or thing transmitted under subsection (6) is
taken to have been given, produced or done (as the case requires) in
the course of the arbitral proceedings.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
27C
Consolidation of arbitral proceedings
27C Consolidation of arbitral proceedings
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a party to arbitral proceedings
may apply to the arbitral tribunal for an order under this section in
relation to those proceedings and other arbitral proceedings (whether
before that tribunal or any other tribunal) on the ground that—
(a) a common question of law or fact arises in all those proceedings;
or
(b) the rights to relief claimed in all those proceedings are in respect
of, or arise out of, the same transaction or series of transactions;
or
(c) for some other reason specified in the application, it is desirable
that an order be made under this section.
(2) In this section, 2 or more arbitral proceedings that are the subject of
an application under subsection (1) are called the
related proceedings.
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Section 27C
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(3) The following orders may be made under this section in relation to
the related proceedings:
(a) that the proceedings be consolidated on terms specified in the
order;
(b) that the proceedings be heard at the same time or in a sequence
specified in the order;
(c) that any of the proceedings be stayed pending the determination
of any of the other proceedings.
(4) If all the related proceedings are being conducted by the same
tribunal, the tribunal may make any order under this section that it
thinks fit in relation to those proceedings and, if an order is made, the
proceedings must be dealt with in accordance with the order.
(5) If 2 or more arbitral tribunals are conducting the related
proceedings—
(a) the tribunal that received the application must communicate the
substance of the application to the other tribunals concerned;
and
(b) the tribunals must, as soon as practicable, deliberate jointly on
the application.
(6) If the tribunals agree, after deliberation on the application, that a
particular order under this section should be made in relation to the
related proceedings—
(a) the tribunals are to jointly make the order; and
(b) the related proceedings are to be dealt with in accordance with
the order; and
(c) if the order is that the related proceedings be consolidated—the
arbitrator or arbitrators for the consolidated proceedings are to
be appointed, in accordance with section 10 and section 11, from
the members of the tribunals.
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(7) If the tribunals are unable to make an order under subsection (6), the
related proceedings are to proceed as if no application has been made
under subsection (1).
(8) Before making an order under this section, the arbitral tribunal or
tribunals concerned must take into account whether any party would,
or might suffer substantial hardship if the order were made.
(9) This section does not prevent the parties to related proceedings from
agreeing to consolidate them and taking necessary steps to effect that
consolidation.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Part 5 Conduct of arbitral proceedings
Section 27D
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27D
Power of arbitrator to act as mediator, conciliator or other
27D Power of arbitrator to act as mediator, conciliator or other
non-arbitral intermediary
(1) An arbitrator may act as a mediator in proceedings relating to a
dispute between the parties to an arbitration agreement (mediation
proceedings) if—
(a) the arbitration agreement provides for the arbitrator to act as
mediator in mediation proceedings (whether before or after
proceeding to arbitration, and whether or not continuing with the
arbitration); or
(b) each party has consented in writing to the arbitrator so acting.
(2) An arbitrator acting as a mediator—
(a) may communicate with the parties collectively or separately;
and
(b) must treat information obtained by the arbitrator from a party
with whom he or she communicates separately as confidential,
unless that party otherwise agrees or unless the provisions of the
arbitration agreement relating to mediation proceedings
otherwise provide.
(3) Mediation proceedings in relation to a dispute terminate if—
(a) the parties to the dispute agree to terminate the proceedings; or
(b) any party to the dispute withdraws consent to the arbitrator
acting as mediator in the proceedings; or
(c) the arbitrator terminates the proceedings.
(4) An arbitrator who has acted as mediator in mediation proceedings that
are terminated may not conduct subsequent arbitration proceedings in
relation to the dispute without the written consent of all the parties to
the arbitration given on or after the termination of the mediation
proceedings.
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(5) If the parties consent under subsection (4), no objection may be taken
to the conduct of subsequent arbitration proceedings by the arbitrator
solely on the ground that he or she has acted previously as a mediator
in accordance with this section.
(6) If the parties do not consent under subsection (4), the arbitrator’s
mandate is taken to have been terminated under section 14 and a
substitute arbitrator is to be appointed in accordance with section 15.
(7) If confidential information is obtained from a party during mediation
proceedings as referred to in subsection (2) (b) and the mediation
proceedings terminate, the arbitrator must, before conducting
subsequent arbitration proceedings in relation to the dispute, disclose
to all other parties to the arbitration proceedings so much of the
information as the arbitrator considers material to the arbitration
proceedings.
(8) In this section, a reference to a mediator includes a reference to a
conciliator or other non-arbitral intermediary between parties.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
27E
Disclosure of confidential information
27E Disclosure of confidential information
(1) The provisions of this section apply in arbitral proceedings unless
otherwise agreed by the parties.
(2) The parties must not disclose confidential information in relation to
the arbitral proceedings unless—
(a) the disclosure is allowed under section 27F; or
(b) the disclosure is allowed under an order made under section 27G
and no order is in force under section 27H prohibiting that
disclosure; or
(c) the disclosure is allowed under an order made under section 27I.
Part 5 Conduct of arbitral proceedings
Section 27F
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(3) An arbitral tribunal must not disclose confidential information in
relation to the arbitral proceedings unless—
(a) the disclosure is allowed under section 27F; or
(b) the disclosure is allowed under an order made under section 27G
and no order is in force under section 27H prohibiting that
disclosure; or
(c) the disclosure is allowed under an order made under section 27I.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
27F
Circumstances in which confidential information may be
27F Circumstances in which confidential information may be
disclosed
(1) This section sets out the circumstances in which confidential
information in relation to arbitral proceedings may be disclosed by—
(a) a party; or
(b) an arbitral tribunal.
(2) The information may be disclosed with the consent of all the parties
to the arbitral proceedings.
(3) The information may be disclosed to a professional or other adviser
of any of the parties.
(4) The information may be disclosed if it is necessary to ensure that a
party has a reasonable opportunity to present the party’s case and the
disclosure is no more than reasonable for that purpose.
(5) The information may be disclosed if it is necessary for the
establishment or protection of a party’s legal rights in relation to a
third-party and the disclosure is no more than reasonable for that
purpose.
(6) The information may be disclosed if it is necessary for the purpose of
enforcing an arbitral award and the disclosure is no more than
reasonable for that purpose.
Conduct of arbitral proceedings Part 5
Section 27G
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(7) The information may be disclosed if it is necessary for this Act and
the disclosure is no more than reasonable for that purpose.
(8) The information may be disclosed if the disclosure is in accordance
with an order made or a subpoena issued by a court.
(9) The information may be disclosed if the disclosure is authorised or
required by a relevant law or required by a competent regulatory
body, and the person making the disclosure gives written details of
the disclosure (including an explanation of the reasons for the
disclosure) to—
(a) if the person is a party—the other parties and the arbitral
tribunal; and
(b) if the arbitral tribunal is making the disclosure—all the parties.
(10) In this section:
relevant law means—
(a) a law of the Territory (other than this Act); and
(b) a law of the Commonwealth; and
(c) a law of a State or another Territory.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
27G
Arbitral tribunal may allow disclosure of confidential
27G Arbitral tribunal may allow disclosure of confidential
information in certain circumstances
(1) An arbitral tribunal may make an order allowing a party to arbitral
proceedings to disclose confidential information in relation to the
proceedings in circumstances other than those mentioned in
section 27F.
(2) An order under subsection (1) may only be made at the request of 1 of
the parties and after giving each of the parties the opportunity to be
heard.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Part 5 Conduct of arbitral proceedings
Section 27H
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27H
Court may prohibit disclosure of confidential information
27H Court may prohibit disclosure of confidential information
in certain circumstances
(1) The court may make an order prohibiting a party from disclosing
confidential information in relation to the arbitral proceedings if the
court is satisfied, in the circumstances of the particular case, that—
(a) the public interest in preserving the confidentiality of arbitral
proceedings is not outweighed by other considerations that
render it desirable in the public interest for the confidential
information to be disclosed; and
(b) the disclosure is no more than reasonable for that purpose.
(2) An order under subsection (1) may only be made on the application
of a party to the arbitral proceedings and after giving each of the
parties to the arbitral proceedings the opportunity to be heard.
(3) A party may only apply for an order under subsection (1) if the
arbitral tribunal has made an order under section 27G (1) allowing
disclosure of the information.
(4) The court may order that the confidential information not be disclosed
pending the outcome of the application under subsection (2).
(5) An order of the court under this section that is made within the limits
of the authority of the court is final.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Conduct of arbitral proceedings Part 5
Section 27I
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27I
Court may allow disclosure of confidential information in
27I Court may allow disclosure of confidential information in
certain circumstances
(1) The court may make an order allowing a party to disclose confidential
information in relation to the arbitral proceedings in circumstances
other than those mentioned in section 27F if the court is satisfied, in
the circumstances of the particular case, that—
(a) the public interest in preserving the confidentiality of arbitral
proceedings is outweighed by other considerations that render it
desirable in the public interest for the confidential information
to be disclosed; and
(b) the disclosure is no more than reasonable for that purpose.
(2) An order under subsection (1) may only be made on the application
of a person who is or was a party to the arbitral proceedings and after
giving each person who is or was a party to the arbitral proceedings
the opportunity to be heard.
(3) A party to arbitral proceedings may only apply for an order under
subsection (1) if—
(a) the mandate of the arbitral tribunal has been terminated under
section 32; or
(b) a request by the party to the arbitral tribunal to make an order
under section 27G has been refused.
(4) An order of the court under this section that is made within the limits
of the authority of the court is final.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Part 5
Conduct of arbitral proceedings
Part 5 Conduct of arbitral proceedings
Section 27J
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27J
Determination of preliminary point of law by court
27J Determination of preliminary point of law by court
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, on an application to the court
made by any of the parties to an arbitration agreement the court has
jurisdiction to determine any question of law arising in the course of
the arbitration.
(2) An application under this section may be made by a party only with
the consent of—
(a) an arbitrator who has entered on the reference; or
(b) all the other parties;
and with the leave of the court.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Making of award and termination of proceedings Part 6
Section 28
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Part 6 Making of award and termination
of proceedings
28
Rules applicable to substance of dispute
28 Rules applicable to substance of dispute
(Model Law art 28)
(1) The arbitral tribunal must decide the dispute in accordance with such
rules of law as are chosen by the parties as applicable to the substance
of the dispute.
(2) Any designation of the law or legal system of a given State or
Territory must be construed, unless otherwise expressed, as directly
referring to the substantive law of that State or Territory and not to its
conflict of laws rules.
(3) Failing any designation by the parties, the arbitral tribunal must apply
the law determined by the conflict of laws rules which it considers
applicable.
(4) The arbitral tribunal must decide the dispute, if the parties so agree,
in accordance with such other considerations as are agreed to by the
parties.
(5) In all cases, the arbitral tribunal must decide in accordance with the
terms of the contract and must take into account the usages of the
trade applicable to the transaction.
Note This section (other than s (4)) is substantially the same as the Model Law,
art 28.
29
Decision-making by panel of arbitrators
29 Decision-making by panel of arbitrators
(Model Law art 29)
(1) In arbitral proceedings with more than 1 arbitrator, any decision of
the arbitral tribunal must be made, unless otherwise agreed by the
parties, by a majority of all its members.
(2) However, questions of procedure may be decided by a presiding
arbitrator, if so authorised by the parties or all members of the arbitral
tribunal.
Part 6 Making of award and termination of proceedings
Section 30
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30
Settlement
30 Settlement
(Model Law art 30)
(1) If, during arbitral proceedings, the parties settle the dispute, the
arbitral tribunal must terminate the proceedings and, if requested by
the parties and not objected to by the arbitral tribunal, record the
settlement in the form of an arbitral award on agreed terms.
(2) An award on agreed terms is to be made in accordance with section 31
and must state that it is an award.
(3) Such an award has the same status and effect as any other award on
the merits of the case.
31
Form and contents of award
31 Form and contents of award
(Model Law art 31)
(1) The award must be made in writing and must be signed by the
arbitrator or arbitrators.
(2) In arbitral proceedings with more than 1 arbitrator, the signatures of
the majority of all members of the arbitral tribunal suffices, provided
that the reason for any omitted signature is stated.
(3) The award must state the reasons upon which it is based, unless the
parties have agreed that no reasons are to be given or the award is an
award on agreed terms under section 30.
(4) The award must state its date and the place of arbitration as
determined in accordance with section 20.
(5) The award is taken to have been made at the place stated in the award
in accordance with subsection (4).
(6) After the award is made, a copy signed by the arbitrators in
accordance with subsection (1) must be delivered to each party.
Making of award and termination of proceedings Part 6
Section 32
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32
Termination of proceedings
32 Termination of proceedings
(Model Law art 32)
(1) The arbitral proceedings are terminated by the final award or by an
order of the arbitral tribunal in accordance with subsection (2).
(2) The arbitral tribunal is to issue an order for the termination of the
arbitral proceedings when—
(a) the claimant withdraws his or her claim, unless the respondent
objects and the arbitral tribunal recognises a legitimate interest
on the respondent’s part in obtaining a final settlement of the
dispute; or
(b) the parties agree on the termination of the proceedings; or
(c) the arbitral tribunal finds that the continuation of the
proceedings has for any other reason become unnecessary or
impossible; or
(d) the arbitral tribunal makes an award under section 25 (2) (a)
dismissing the claim.
(3) The mandate of the arbitral tribunal terminates with the termination
of the arbitral proceedings, subject to section 33 and section 34 (4).
33
Correction and interpretation of award, and making
33 Correction and interpretation of award, and making
additional award
(Model Law art 33)
(1) Within 30 days of receipt of the award, unless another period of time
has been agreed on by the parties—
(a) a party, with notice to the other party, may request the arbitral
tribunal to correct in the award any errors in computation, any
clerical or typographical errors or any errors of similar nature;
and
(b) if so agreed by the parties, a party, with notice to the other party,
may request the arbitral tribunal to give an interpretation of a
specific point or part of the award.
Part 6 Making of award and termination of proceedings
Section 33A
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(2) If the arbitral tribunal considers a request under subsection (1) to be
justified, it must make the correction or give the interpretation within
30 days of receipt of the request.
(3) The interpretation forms part of the award.
(4) The arbitral tribunal may correct any error of the type referred to in
subsection (1) (a) on its own initiative within 30 days of the date of
the award.
(5) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, a party, with notice to the
other party, may request, within 30 days of receipt of the award, the
arbitral tribunal to make an additional award as to claims presented
in the arbitral proceedings but omitted from the award.
(6) If the arbitral tribunal considers the request to be justified, it must
make the additional award within 60 days.
(7) The arbitral tribunal may extend, if necessary, the period of time
within which it may make a correction, interpretation or an additional
award under subsection (2) or (5).
(8) Section 31 applies to a correction or interpretation of the award or to
an additional award.
33A
Specific performance
33A Specific performance
Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitrator has the power
to make an award ordering specific performance of any contract if the
court would have power to order specific performance of that
contract.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Making of award and termination of proceedings Part 6
Section 33B
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33B
Costs
33B Costs
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the costs of an arbitration
(including the fees and expenses of the arbitrator or arbitrators) are to
be in the discretion of the arbitral tribunal.
(2) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitral tribunal may direct
that the costs of an arbitration, or of any part of the arbitral
proceedings, are to be limited to a specified amount.
(3) A direction under subsection (2) may be varied at any stage, but this
must be done sufficiently in advance of the incurring of costs to which
it relates, or the taking of any steps in the proceedings which may be
affected by it, for the limit to be taken into account.
(4) The arbitral tribunal may, in making an award—
(a) direct to whom, by whom, and in what manner, the whole or any
part of the costs that it awards are to be paid; and
(b) tax or settle the amount of costs to be paid or any part of those
costs; and
(c) award costs to be taxed or settled as between party and party or
as between legal practitioner and client.
(5) Any costs of an arbitration (other than the fees or expenses of an
arbitrator) that are directed to be paid by an award are, to the extent
that they have not been taxed or settled by the arbitral tribunal, to be
assessed in accordance with section 33C.
(6) If no provision is made by an award with respect to the costs of the
arbitration, a party may, within 14 days after receiving the award,
apply to the arbitral tribunal for directions as to the payment of those
costs.
Part 6 Making of award and termination of proceedings
Section 33C
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(7) The arbitral tribunal must, after hearing any party who wishes to be
heard, amend the award by adding to it such directions as the arbitral
tribunal thinks proper with respect to the payment of the costs of the
arbitration.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
33C Application of Legal Profession Act 2006
For section 33B (5), the costs of an arbitration are to be assessed in
accordance with the Legal Profession Act 2006, division 3.2.7.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
33D
Costs of abortive arbitration
33D Costs of abortive arbitration
(1) Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties, if an arbitration is
commenced but for any reason fails, the court may, on the application
of a party or the arbitral tribunal made within 6 months after the
failure of the arbitration, make such orders in relation to the costs of
the arbitration as it thinks just.
(2) For the purposes of this section, an arbitration is taken to have failed
if—
(a) a final award is not made by the arbitral tribunal before the
arbitration terminates; or
(b) an award made is wholly set aside by the court.
(3) If the failed arbitration is a related proceedings (within the meaning
of section 27C), the court may stay proceedings on the application
under subsection (1) pending the determination of the other
arbitration proceedings to which the failed arbitration is related.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Making of award and termination of proceedings Part 6
Section 33E
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33E
Interest up to making of award
33E Interest up to making of award
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, where an arbitral tribunal
makes an award for the payment of money (whether on a claim for a
liquidated or an unliquidated amount), the arbitral tribunal may
include in the sum for which the award is made interest, at such
reasonable rate as the arbitral tribunal determines—
(a) on the whole or any part of the money; and
(b) for the whole or any part of the period between the date on which
the cause of action arose and the date on which the award is
made.
(2) Subsection (1) does not—
(a) authorise the awarding of interest on interest awarded under this
section; or
(b) apply in relation to any amount on which interest is payable as
of right whether because of an agreement or otherwise; or
(c) affect the damages recoverable for the dishonour of a bill of
exchange.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
33F
Interest on debt under award
33F Interest on debt under award
(1) This section applies if—
(a) an arbitral tribunal makes an award for the payment of an
amount of money; and
(b) under the award, the amount is to be paid by a particular day (the
due date);
unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
(2) The arbitral tribunal may direct that interest, including compound
interest, is payable if the amount is not paid on or before the due date.
Part 6
Making of award and termination of proceedings
Part 6 Making of award and termination of proceedings
Section 33F
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(3) The arbitral tribunal may set a reasonable rate of interest.
(4) The interest is payable—
(a) from the day immediately following the due date; and
(b) on so much of the money as remains unpaid.
(5) The direction is taken to form part of the award.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Recourse against award Part 7
Section 34
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Part 7 Recourse against award
34
Application for setting aside as exclusive recourse
34 Application for setting aside as exclusive recourse
against arbitral award
(Model Law art 34)
(1) Recourse to the court against an arbitral award may be made only by
an application for setting aside in accordance with subsections (2) and
(3) or by an appeal under section 34A.
Note The Model Law does not provide for appeals as under s 34A.
(2) An arbitral award may be set aside by the court only if—
(a) the party making the application furnishes proof that—
(i) a party to the arbitration agreement referred to in section 7
was under some incapacity, or the arbitration agreement is
not valid under the law to which the parties have subjected
it or, failing any indication in it, under the law of the
Territory; or
(ii) the party making the application was not given proper
notice of the appointment of an arbitral tribunal or of the
arbitral proceedings or was otherwise unable to present the
party’s case; or
(iii) the award deals with a dispute not contemplated by or not
falling within the terms of the submission to arbitration, or
contains decisions on matters beyond the scope of the
submission to arbitration, provided that, if the decisions on
matters submitted to arbitration can be separated from
those not so submitted, only that part of the award which
contains decisions on matters not submitted to arbitration
may be set aside; or
Part 7 Recourse against award
Section 34
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(iv) the composition of the arbitral tribunal or the arbitral
procedure was not in accordance with the agreement of the
parties, unless such agreement was in conflict with a
provision of this Act from which the parties cannot
derogate, or, failing such agreement, was not in accordance
with this Act; or
(b) the court finds that—
(i) the subject-matter of the dispute is not capable of
settlement by arbitration under the law of the Territory; or
(ii) the award is in conflict with the public policy of the
Territory.
(3) An application for setting aside may not be made after 3 months have
elapsed from the date on which the party making that application had
received the award or, if a request had been made under section 33,
from the date on which that request had been disposed of by the
arbitral tribunal.
(4) The court, when asked to set aside an award, may, where appropriate
and so requested by a party, suspend the setting aside of proceedings
for a period of time determined by it in order to give the arbitral
tribunal an opportunity to resume the arbitral proceedings or to take
such other action as in the arbitral tribunal’s opinion will eliminate
the grounds for setting aside.
Recourse against award Part 7
Section 34A
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34A
Appeals against awards
34A Appeals against awards
(1) An appeal lies to the court on a question of law arising out of an award
if—
(a) the parties agree, before the end of the appeal period referred to
in subsection (6), that an appeal may be made under this section;
and
(b) the court grants leave.
(2) An appeal under this section may be brought by any of the parties to
an arbitration agreement.
(3) The court must not grant leave unless it is satisfied—
(a) the determination of the question will substantially affect the
rights of 1 or more of the parties; and
(b) the question is one which the arbitral tribunal was asked to
determine; and
(c) on the basis of the findings of fact in the award—
(i) the decision of the tribunal on the question is obviously
wrong; or
(ii) the question is one of general public importance and the
decision of the tribunal is at least open to serious doubt;
and
(d) despite the agreement of the parties to resolve the matter by
arbitration, it is just and proper in all the circumstances for the
court to determine the question.
(4) An application for leave to appeal must identify the question of law
to be determined and state the grounds on which it is alleged that
leave to appeal should be granted.
(5) The court is to determine an application for leave to appeal without a
hearing unless it appears to the court that a hearing is required.
Part 7
Recourse against award
Part 7 Recourse against award
Section 34A
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(6) An appeal may not be made under this section after 3 months have
elapsed from the date on which the party making the appeal received
the award or, if a request had been made under section 33, from the
date on which that request had been disposed of by the arbitral
tribunal (in this section referred to as the appeal period).
(7) On the determination of an appeal under this section the court may by
order—
(a) confirm the award; or
(b) vary the award; or
(c) remit the award, together with the court’s opinion on the
question of law which was the subject of the appeal, to the
arbitrator for reconsideration or, where a new arbitrator has been
appointed, to that arbitrator for consideration; or
(d) set aside the award in whole or in part.
(8) The court must not exercise its power to set aside an award, in whole
or in part, unless it is satisfied that it would be inappropriate to remit
the matters in question to the arbitral tribunal for reconsideration.
(9) Where the award is remitted under subsection (7) (c) the arbitrator
must, unless the order otherwise directs, make the award within
3 months after the date of the order.
(10) The court may make any leave which it grants under
subsection (3) (c) subject to the applicant complying with any
conditions it considers appropriate.
(11) Where the award of an arbitrator is varied on an appeal under this
section, the award as varied has effect (except for this section) as if it
were the award of the arbitrator.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Recognition and enforcement of awards Part 8
Section 35
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Part 8 Recognition and enforcement of
awards
35
Recognition and enforcement
35 Recognition and enforcement
(Model Law art 35)
(1) An arbitral award, irrespective of the State or other Territory in which
it was made, is to be recognised in the ACT as binding and, on
application in writing to the court, is to be enforced subject to the
provisions of this section and section 36.
(2) The party relying on an award or applying for its enforcement must
supply the original award or a copy of the original award.
(3) If the award is not made in English, the court may request the party
to supply a translation of it into English.
Note So much of the Model Law, art 35 (2) as provides for the translation of
an award that is not in the official language of the enforcing State has
been modified.
36
Grounds for refusing recognition or enforcement
36 Grounds for refusing recognition or enforcement
(Model Law art 36)
(1) Recognition or enforcement of an arbitral award, irrespective of the
State or Territory in which it was made, may be refused only—
(a) at the request of the party against whom it is invoked, if that
party furnishes to the court proof that—
(i) a party to the arbitration agreement was under some
incapacity, or the arbitration agreement is not valid under
the law to which the parties have subjected it or, failing any
indication in it, under the law of the State or Territory
where the award was made; or
(ii) the party against whom the award is invoked was not given
proper notice of the appointment of an arbitrator or of the
arbitral proceedings or was otherwise unable to present the
party’s case; or
Part 8
Recognition and enforcement of awards
Part 8 Recognition and enforcement of awards
Section 36
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(iii) the award deals with a dispute not contemplated by or not
falling within the terms of the submission to arbitration, or
it contains decisions on matters beyond the scope of the
submission to arbitration, provided that, if the decisions on
matters submitted to arbitration can be separated from
those not so submitted, that part of the award which
contains decisions on matters submitted to arbitration may
be recognised and enforced; or
(iv) the composition of the arbitral tribunal or the arbitral
procedure was not in accordance with the agreement of the
parties or, failing such agreement, was not in accordance
with the law of the State or Territory where the arbitration
took place; or
(v) the award has not yet become binding on the parties or has
been set aside or suspended by a court of the State or
Territory in which, or under the law of which, that award
was made; or
(b) if the court finds that—
(i) the subject-matter of the dispute is not capable of
settlement by arbitration under the law of the Territory; or
(ii) the recognition or enforcement of the award would be
contrary to the public policy of the Territory.
(2) If an application for setting aside or suspension of an award has been
made to a court referred to in subsection (1) (a) (v), the court may, if
it considers it proper, adjourn its decision and may also, on the
application of the party claiming recognition or enforcement of the
award, order the party to provide appropriate security.
Miscellaneous Part 9
Section 37
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Part 9 Miscellaneous
37
Death of party
37 Death of party
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, if a party to an arbitration
agreement dies the agreement is not discharged (either as respects the
deceased or any other party) and the authority of an arbitral tribunal
is not revoked by the death but that agreement is enforceable by or
against the personal representative of the deceased.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) affects the operation of any enactment or
rule of law by virtue of which a right of action is extinguished by the
death of a person.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
38
Interpleader
38 Interpleader
Where relief by way of interpleader is granted in any court and it
appears to that court that the claims in question are matters to which
an arbitration agreement (to which the claimants are parties) applies,
the court must, unless it is satisfied that there is sufficient reason why
the matters should not be referred to arbitration in accordance with
the agreement, make an order directing the issue between the
claimants to be determined in accordance with the agreement.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
39
Immunity
39 Immunity
(1) An arbitrator is not liable for anything done or omitted to be done in
good faith in his or her capacity as arbitrator.
(2) An entity that appoints, or fails to appoint, a person as arbitrator is
not liable in relation to the appointment, failure or refusal if done in
good faith.
Part 9
Miscellaneous
Part 9 Miscellaneous
Section 40
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(3) In this section, a reference to an arbitrator includes an arbitrator
acting as a mediator, conciliator or other non-arbitral intermediary
under section 27D.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
40
Court rules
40 Court rules
(1) Rules of court may be made under the Court Procedures Act 2004 for
carrying the purposes of this Act into effect and, in particular, for or
with respect to the following:
(a) applications to a court under this Act and the costs of such
applications;
(b) the payment or bringing of money into and out of a court in
satisfaction of claims to which arbitration agreements apply and
the investment of that money;
(c) the examination of witnesses before a court or before any other
person and the issue of commissions or requests for the
examination of witnesses outside the Territory, for an
arbitration;
(d) offers of compromise in relation to claims to which arbitration
agreements apply;
(e) any other matter or thing for or with respect to which rules are
by this Act authorised or required to be made by a court.
(2) Subsection (1) does not limit the rule-making powers conferred on a
court by any other Act.
Note There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Miscellaneous Part 9
Section 41
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41
Regulation-making power
41 Regulation-making power
The Executive may make regulations for this Act.
Note 1 A regulation must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly,
under the Legislation Act.
Note 2 There is no equivalent to this section in the Model Law.
Dictionary
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Dictionary
(see s 1E)
Note 1 The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to
this Act.
Note 2 For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
• exercise
• function
• oath
• person
• Supreme Court
• the Territory.
Note 3 The Model Law does not include definitions of the following terms:
• arbitration agreement
• confidential information
• disclose
• domestic commercial arbitration
• exercise
• function
• interim measure
• Model Law
• party
• the court.
arbitral tribunal means a sole arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators.
arbitration means any domestic commercial arbitration whether or
not administered by a permanent arbitral institution.
arbitration agreement—see section 7 (1).
Dictionary
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confidential information, in relation to arbitral proceedings, means
information that relates to the arbitral proceedings or to an award
made in those proceedings and includes the following:
(a) the statement of claim, statement of defence and all other
pleadings, submissions, statements or other information
supplied to the arbitral tribunal by a party;
(b) any information supplied by a party to another party in
compliance with a direction of the arbitral tribunal;
(c) any evidence (whether documentary or otherwise) supplied to
the arbitral tribunal;
(d) any notes made by the arbitral tribunal of oral evidence or
submissions given before the arbitral tribunal;
(e) any transcript of oral evidence or submissions given before the
arbitral tribunal;
(f) any rulings of the arbitral tribunal;
(g) any award of the arbitral tribunal.
disclose, in relation to confidential information, includes publishing
or communicating or otherwise supplying the confidential
information.
domestic, in relation to an arbitration—see section 1 (3).
interim measure—see section 17.
Model Law means the UNCITRAL Model Law on International
Commercial Arbitration (as adopted by the United Nations
Commission on International Trade Law on 21 June 1985, and as
amended by the United Nations Commission on International Trade
Law on 7 July 2006).
Dictionary
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party means a party to an arbitration agreement and includes—
(a) any person claiming through or under a party to the arbitration
agreement; and
(b) in any case where an arbitration does not involve all of the
parties to the arbitration agreement, those parties to the
arbitration agreement who are parties to the arbitration.
the court means, subject to section 6 (2), the Supreme Court.
Endnotes
About the endnotes 1
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Endnotes
1 About the endnotes
Amending and modifying laws are annotated in the legislation history and the
amendment history. Current modifications are not included in the republished law
but are set out in the endnotes.
Not all editorial amendments made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 are
annotated in the amendment history. Full details of any amendments can be
obtained from the Parliamentary Counsel’s Office.
Uncommenced amending laws are not included in the republished law. The details
of these laws are underlined in the legislation history. Uncommenced expiries are
underlined in the legislation history and amendment history.
If all the provisions of the law have been renumbered, a table of renumbered
provisions gives details of previous and current numbering.
The endnotes also include a table of earlier republications.
2
Abbreviation key
2 Abbreviation key
A = Act NI = Notifiable instrument
AF = Approved form o = order
am = amended om = omitted/repealed
amdt = amendment ord = ordinance
AR = Assembly resolution orig = original
ch = chapter par = paragraph/subparagraph
CN = Commencement notice pres = present
def = definition prev = previous
DI = Disallowable instrument (prev...) = previously
dict = dictionary pt = part
disallowed = disallowed by the Legislative r = rule/subrule
Assembly reloc = relocated
div = division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired R[X] = Republication No
Gaz = gazette RI = reissue
hdg = heading s = section/subsection
IA = Interpretation Act 1967 sch = schedule
ins = inserted/added sdiv = subdivision
LA = Legislation Act 2001 SL = Subordinate law
LR = legislation register sub = substituted
LRA = Legislation (Republication) Act 1996 underlining = whole or part not commenced
mod = modified/modification or to be expired
Endnotes
3 Legislation history
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3
Legislation history
3 Legislation history
Commercial Arbitration Act 2017 A2017-7
notified LR 4 April 2017
s 1A, s 1B commenced 4 April 2017 (LA s 75 (1))
remainder commenced 1 July 2017 (s 1B and CN2017-1)
as amended by
Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2018 A2018-33
sch 1 pt 1.4
notified LR 25 September 2018
s 1, s 2 commenced 25 September 2018 (LA s 75 (1))
sch 1 pt 1.4 commenced 23 October 2018 (s 2 (4))
Endnotes
Amendment history 4
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4
Amendment history
4 Amendment history
Commencement
s 1B om LA s 89 (4)
Definition and form of arbitration agreement
s 7 am A2018-33 amdt 1.9
Repeal and consequential amendments
pt 10 hdg om LA s 89 (3)
Legislation repealed
s 42 om LA s 89 (3)
Legislation amended—sch 1
s 43 om LA s 89 (3)
Transitional
pt 20 hdg exp 1 July 2019 (s 203)
Definitions—pt 20
s 200 exp 1 July 2019 (s 203)
Arbitration under repealed Act
s 201 exp 1 July 2019 (s 203)
Transitional regulations
s 202 exp 1 July 2019 (s 203)
Expiry—pt 20
s 203 exp 1 July 2019 (s 203)
Consequential amendments
sch 1 om LA s 89 (3)
Endnotes
5 Earlier republications
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5
Earlier republications
5 Earlier republications
Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to
the publication order.
Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in
electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register. A selection of authorised
republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are
marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1. Electronic and printed versions of an
authorised republication are identical.
Republication
No and date
Effective Last
amendment
made by
Republication
for
R1
1 July 2017
1
July 2017–
1 July 2017–
22 Oct 2018
not amended new Act
R2
23 Oct 2018
23
Oct 2018–
23 Oct 2018–
30 June 2019
A2018-33 amendments by
A2018-33
6
Expired transitional or validating provisions
6 Expired transitional or validating provisions
This Act may be affected by transitional or validating provisions that have expired.
The expiry does not affect any continuing operation of the provisions (see
Legislation Act 2001, s 88 (1)).
Expired provisions are removed from the republished law when the expiry takes
effect and are listed in the amendment history using the abbreviation ‘exp’ followed
by the date of the expiry.
To find the expired provisions see the version of this Act before the expiry took
effect. The ACT legislation register has point-in-time versions of this Act.
Sourced from the ACT Legislation Register (legislation.act.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
Australian Capital Territory
Commercial Arbitration Act 2017
A2017-7
Republication No 3
Effective: 2 July 2019
Republication date: 2 July 2019
Last amendment made by A2018-33
(republication for expiry of transitional provisions (pt 20))
Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au
About this republication
The republished law
This is a republication of the Commercial Arbitration Act 2017 (including any amendment made
under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 2 July 2019. It also
includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to
2 July 2019.
The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3
and 4.
Kinds of republications
The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT
legislation register at www.legislation.act.gov.au):
• authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies
• unauthorised republications.
The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.
Editorial changes
The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial
amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication.
Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by
an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The
changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into
line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.
This republication does not include amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol U appears immediately
before the provision heading. Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law
are accessible on the ACT legislation register (www.legislation.act.gov.au). For more
information, see the home page for this law on the register.
Modifications
If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the
symbol M appears immediately before the provision heading. The text of the modifying
provision appears in the endnotes. For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation
Act 2001, section 95.
Penalties
At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an
individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).
Creates an internal confidentiality regime. The Act defines confidential information in relation to arbitral proceedings (dict), restricts disclosure by parties and tribunals unless permitted (s 27E-27F), and sets out a court‑supervised process for allowing or prohibiting disclosure in particular circumstances (ss 27G-27I).
Lays down exclusive and time‑limited remedies against awards: setting aside is the principal recourse and is subject to specific grounds and a three month time limit (s 34(1)-(3)); the Act also creates a narrow statutory route for appeals on questions of law where the parties have agreed and the court grants leave (s 34A).
Details recognition and enforcement of awards and interim measures across States and Territories, setting out the grounds on which recognition or enforcement may be refused (ss 17H-17I, 35-36).
The Act states its paramount object to facilitate fair and final resolution of commercial disputes by impartial arbitral tribunals without unnecessary delay or expense, and directs that interpretation and arbitral exercise be done so as to achieve that object so far as practicable (s 1C(1)-(3)). That is an explicitly declared legislative purpose rather than a free‑standing policy summary. The Act implements that object through party autonomy (many provisions leave matters to party agreement, see ss 2(2)-(3), 19(1), 20(1), 22(1)), through default rules intended to keep proceedings streamlined (for example, default single arbitrator, s 10(2); tribunal power to decide procedure, s 19(2); limited court intervention, s 5), and through measures intended to protect arbitral process integrity (interim measures, s 17; duties of parties and prohibition on wilful delay, s 24B(1)-(3)).
Mechanically the Act thus reallocates decision‑making: parties and arbitrators make most procedural and substantive decisions subject to statutory limits; courts retain supervisory and enforcement roles enumerated in the Act; and a mix of party choice plus detailed statutory defaults govern timing, disclosure, costs and remedies. The subsequent parts of this note identify the principal concepts, the persons and institutions affected, the key duties and rights created, enforcement and penalty regimes, interaction with other laws, the amendment record in the republished law, any litigation record contained in the instrument, practical pitfalls, and a compliance checklist mapped to the specific provisions of the Act.
Main concepts
The Act organises arbitration law around a few repeated structural concepts that determine who decides what, and when court involvement is permitted.
Arbitration agreement and writing requirement. An arbitration agreement is an agreement to submit disputes within a defined legal relationship to arbitration (s 7(1)). It must be in writing, but the writing requirement is broadly satisfied (s 7(3)-(7)): content recorded in any form suffices; electronic communications qualify if the information is accessible for later reference (s 7(5)); an exchange of statements of claim and defence can suffice (s 7(6)); and a contract reference incorporating another document containing an arbitration clause constitutes a written arbitration agreement (s 7(7)). The Act therefore treats formalities flexibly while insisting on recorded agreement.
Scope and domestic focus. The Act applies to domestic commercial arbitrations as defined (s 1(1), (3)); it does not cover international arbitrations that fall within the Commonwealth International Arbitration Act 1974 (s 1(1), note). Most of the Act’s operative provisions apply only where the seat is in the ACT (s 1(2)).
Party autonomy and defaults. A central organising principle is party autonomy. Where the Act leaves issues to party agreement, that includes agreement that incorporates arbitration rules (s 2(3)) and the parties’ power to determine procedure, number of arbitrators and language (ss 10(1), 19(1), 22(1)). However, the Act provides defaults if parties do not agree: single arbitrator by default (s 10(2)); tribunal discretion to conduct proceedings as appropriate (s 19(2)); tribunal to determine place of arbitration where parties do not (s 20(2)).
Limited court intervention, but specific supervisory jurisdiction. The Act sets a rule of minimal court intervention (s 5) yet identifies enumerated functions to be performed by the Supreme Court (s 6(1)) and permits other courts to be given jurisdiction if parties agree (s 6(2)). Key judicial functions include appointment of arbitrators where the agreed procedure fails (s 11(4)), deciding challenges and terminations of arbitrators (ss 13(4), 14(2)), testing jurisdictional rulings made by tribunals (s 16(9)-(10)), recognition and enforcement of interim measures and awards (ss 17H-17J, 35-36), and hearing applications to set aside awards or grant leave to appeal on points of law (ss 34-34A).
Tribunal competence and remedial powers. Tribunals may rule on their own jurisdiction (s 16(1)). They can grant interim measures (s 17(1)-(3)) subject to conditions (s 17A), modify or terminate interim measures (s 17D), and require security for measures (s 17E). Tribunals have wide procedural powers including administering oaths and making procedural orders enforceable by leave of court (ss 19(3)-(6)).
Confidentiality. The Act defines confidential information expansively in the dictionary and sets a default rule prohibiting disclosure by parties or tribunals unless one of specified exceptions applies, including consent, necessary disclosure for presenting a case or enforcing an award, disclosure to advisers, disclosure authorised by a court order or required by law, or as permitted by tribunal order (ss 27E-27G; dict).
Costs and financial consequences. The tribunal has broad discretion on costs, including power to limit costs to a specified amount (s 33B(1)-(4)). Parties requesting interim measures may be liable for costs and damages if the tribunal later finds the measure should not have been granted (s 17G). Specific provisions deal with interest up to award and on unpaid sums after a due date (ss 33E-33F).
Finality and limited recourse. The Act makes application for setting aside in the court the exclusive general recourse against an award (s 34(1)), listing narrow grounds for setting aside (s 34(2)), with a three month time bar (s 34(3)). A party can only appeal on a question of law if the parties have agreed and the court grants leave under a strict test (s 34A).
These concepts operate together to allocate decision rights and define interaction between private dispute resolution and public courts. The Act repeatedly couples party choice with statutory default mechanisms intended to avoid deadlock and preserve finality.
Who it affects
The Act affects a defined set of actors and institutions; each is assigned specific powers, duties or risks by named provisions.
Parties to arbitration agreements. The primary effect is on contracting commercial parties who choose arbitration. The Act's definition of "party" includes persons claiming through or under a party and, where an arbitration does not involve all parties to an arbitration agreement, those who are parties to the arbitration (dict). Parties decide many procedural matters (ss 19(1), 20(1), 22(1)); they are obliged to comply with tribunal directions and to avoid acts intended to delay or prevent awards (s 24B(1)-(3)). They must ensure written arbitration agreements (s 7(3)-(7)) and observe time limits for challenges and setting‑aside applications (ss 13(2), 34(3), 34A(6)). Parties will pay tribunal fees and arbitration costs unless otherwise agreed or directed by the tribunal (s 33B).
Arbitrators and arbitral tribunals. Arbitrators are given duties of disclosure when approached or appointed (s 12(1)-(2)), may be challenged on narrow grounds of justifiable doubts about impartiality or lack of agreed qualifications (s 12(3)), and may exercise wide procedural and remedial powers: ruling on jurisdiction (s 16), ordering interim measures (s 17), making procedural orders enforceable by court leave (s 19(6)), appointing experts (s 26), and correcting awards (s 33). Arbitrators are immune from liability for acts or omissions done in good faith in their capacity as arbitrator (s 39(1)).
Courts and judicial officers. The Supreme Court is the primary court for functions listed in s 6(1). The courts retain powers to appoint arbitrators where party procedures fail (s 11(3)-(5)), to hear challenges and termination applications (ss 13(4), 14(2)), to enforce or refuse enforcement of interim measures or awards (ss 17H-17I, 35-36), to assist in taking evidence and issue subpoenas (ss 27, 27A-27B), and to determine preliminary questions of law subject to party consent and leave (s 27J). The Act also permits parties to agree that the Magistrates Court perform specified functions (s 6(2)).
Legal practitioners and other representatives. Parties may be represented by persons of their choice at hearings (s 24A(1)). The Act expressly states that a person who is not an Australian legal practitioner does not, by representing a party in arbitral proceedings, commit an offence under the Legal Profession Act 2006 or other Acts (s 24A(2)). Tribunal directions as to taxation and settlement of costs invoke the Legal Profession Act for costs assessment purposes (s 33C).
Third parties and witnesses. The Act contemplates involvement of non‑parties: courts may subpoena non‑parties to attend or produce documents for the tribunal’s use (s 27A), subject to tribunal permission (s 27A(2)), and the court may order a person in default to attend for examination or produce documents but only with safeguards where the person is not a party (s 27B(4)). The consolidation and consolidation procedures (s 27C) and interpleader provisions (s 38) create routes by which claims involving multiple claimants or third parties can be redirected into arbitration.
Regulators and other public bodies. The confidential information provisions recognise disclosure required by a "relevant law" or competent regulatory body (s 27F(9)), and require written particulars of such disclosure to be given to parties (s 27F(9)(a)-(b)). Courts can order disclosure contrary to confidentiality where public interest requires (s 27I), and can prohibit disclosure where confidentiality is not outweighed (s 27H).
Institutions that administer arbitrations. The Act permits parties to authorise third parties, including institutions, to determine issues left to the parties (s 2(2)). An institution entrusted with appointment functions that fails to perform may trigger court appointment (s 11(4)(c)). Entities that appoint or fail to appoint arbitrators are immune from liability if done in good faith (s 39(2)).
Who pays. Financial burdens primarily fall on the parties. Parties fund arbitrator fees and tribunal expenses (s 33B(1)), may be ordered to provide security for interim measures (s 17E), and may be liable for costs and damages where an interim measure is later found to have been wrongly granted (s 17G). The court may require security to protect third parties when enforcing interim measures (s 17H(4)) or when adjournment is granted pending setting aside proceedings (s 36(2)).
Who decides. The Act partitions decision‑making: parties decide many procedural and substantive rules by agreement; arbitrators exercise broad procedural and substantive power within statutory limits; courts intervene on specified matters or at the request of parties where the Act allows (s 6; see also s 5 limits). The Act creates default mechanisms that transfer appointing authority to courts when party procedures break down (s 11).
Key duties and rights
The Act imposes discrete duties and confers rights on parties, arbitrators and the court. Below are the principal operative duties and rights mapped to the text.
Duty of written arbitration agreement. Arbitration agreements must be in writing to be effective under the Act, but the writing requirement is broadly construed and includes electronic communications accessible for later reference, references in contracts and exchanges of pleadings (s 7(3)-(7)). The right to arbitrate therefore depends on recorded agreement.
Party autonomy rights. Parties are given the right to agree on the arbitration procedure, number and appointment of arbitrators, place and language of arbitration, and rules to apply to the substance of the dispute (ss 10(1), 11(2), 19(1), 20(1), 22(1), 28(1)). These rights include authorising third parties or institutions to make determinations the parties could otherwise make (s 2(2)-(3)).
Equal treatment and reasonable opportunity. Tribunals must treat parties equally and give each a reasonable opportunity to present their case (s 18). The Act modifies the Model Law’s “full” opportunity to “reasonable” (s 18, note).
Duties of arbitrators to disclose and to be impartial. Persons approached for appointment must disclose circumstances likely to give rise to justifiable doubts about impartiality or independence; appointed arbitrators must disclose such circumstances without delay (s 12(1)-(2)). An arbitrator may be challenged only where justifiable doubts exist or where they lack agreed qualifications (s 12(3)). The prescribed test for justifiable doubts is whether there is a real danger of bias (s 12(5)-(6)).
Tribunal competence to rule on jurisdiction. The arbitral tribunal may rule on its own jurisdiction, treating the arbitration clause as independent of the contract (s 16(1)-(3)). Pleas as to jurisdiction must be raised by the statement of defence (s 16(4)) and the tribunal may admit late pleas if it considers the delay justified (s 16(7)). If a tribunal rules it has jurisdiction as a preliminary question, a party may request the court to decide within 30 days (s 16(9)).
Interim measure powers and conditions. Tribunals may grant interim measures unless parties agree otherwise (s 17(1)) and may order a range of measures (s 17(2)-(3)). For certain measures (s 17(2)(a)-(c)) the requesting party must satisfy the tribunal of two conditions: that irreparable harm is likely unless the measure is ordered, and that there is a reasonable possibility of success on the merits (s 17A(1)-(2)). Tribunals can modify, suspend or terminate their interim measures (s 17D), require security (s 17E), require disclosure of material changes (s 17F), and award costs and damages if the measure should not have been granted (s 17G).
Confidentiality duties. Parties and tribunals are prohibited from disclosing confidential information except under the exceptions set out in s 27F or under tribunal or court orders made under ss 27G-27I. The Act defines the categories of confidential information (dict).
Costs and limitation rights. Tribunals have discretion to award costs, tax or settle costs and to limit total costs to a specified amount (s 33B(1)-(4)). The tribunal is required to add directions on costs to the award where a party applies (s 33B(6)-(7)). The Legal Profession Act applies for assessment of costs directed by an award (s 33C).
Remedies and finality. Application for setting aside is the principal exclusive recourse against an award (s 34(1)); grounds are the narrow list in s 34(2), and time for application is three months (s 34(3)). Parties can agree to allow appeals on questions of law but only under a restrictive leave test that includes a demonstration that the question will substantially affect rights, is obviously wrong or raises serious doubt, and that it is just and proper for the court to decide despite agreement to arbitrate (s 34A(1)-(4)).
Rights to court assistance. Parties or tribunals may request court assistance in taking evidence (s 27(1)-(2)). The court may issue subpoenas on application with arbitral tribunal permission (s 27A) and may order persons in default to attend, produce documents or be examined subject to safeguards, including for non‑parties (s 27B(2)-(6)). Courts may also prohibit or allow disclosure of confidential information in particular cases (ss 27H-27I).
Immunities. Arbitrators and entities that appoint or fail to appoint arbitrators have immunity from liability for acts done in good faith (s 39(1)-(2)).
Time limits and procedural obligations are strict and recurring. Examples include 15 days to send reasons for challenge after becoming aware of grounds (s 13(2)); 30 days to request the court to decide a tribunal jurisdictional preliminary ruling (s 16(9)); and three months to apply to set aside an award (s 34(3)) or to bring an appeal under s 34A(6). These provisions create procedural obligations that parties and advisers must calendar to protect rights.
Penalties and enforcement
The Act does not create a wide catalogue of criminal penalties. Instead it embeds enforcement mechanisms, cost consequences and court remedies to secure compliance with tribunal orders and to give effect to awards.
Enforcement of awards and interim measures by court application. Awards are to be recognised as binding and enforceable in the ACT on application to the court (s 35(1)-(3)). Recognition and enforcement may be refused only on the statutorily enumerated grounds in s 36(1)-(2); these are limited to procedural defects in the arbitration agreement or proceedings, issues of subject matter non‑arbitrability, public policy, or that the award is set aside or suspended in the jurisdiction of issuance (s 36(1)(a)-(b)). Likewise interim measures issued by tribunals in the Territory or other States/Territories are recognised as binding and may be enforced on application (s 17H(1)-(2)); the court may require appropriate security (s 17H(4)).
Court‑compellable compliance with tribunal orders. Orders or directions made by a tribunal are enforceable by leave of the court as if they were court orders, and if leave is given judgment may be entered in terms of the order (s 19(6)). This turns tribunal procedural orders into enforceable instruments where the court gives leave.
Sanctions through costs and damages. The tribunal may award costs in its discretion, limit costs, tax or settle costs and specify payment directions (s 33B(1)-(4)). If an interim measure later proves improper, the party requesting it is liable for costs and damages caused by the measure, and the tribunal may award such costs and damages at any point (s 17G(1)-(2)). Courts may also make orders as to costs of an abortive arbitration within six months of failure (s 33D).
Peremptory orders and inferences for non‑compliance. The tribunal may make peremptory orders and, if not complied with, draw adverse inferences, exclude material, proceed to award on available materials, and make directions as to payment of costs resulting from non‑compliance (s 25(2)-(3)).
Court power to compel witnesses and documents. With the tribunal’s permission, a party may apply for court subpoenas (s 27A), and the court may order persons in default to attend or produce documents (s 27B(2)). There are protections for non‑parties and limits on compelled disclosure of what cannot be compelled in court proceedings (s 27A(3), s 27B(5)).
Immunity for arbitrators and appointing entities. Arbitrators and entities that appoint or fail to appoint arbitrators are protected from liability if acts are done in good faith (s 39(1)-(2)), constraining private causes of action against arbitrators for conduct within scope and done in good faith.
The Act references penalty units only in a republication note: at the republication date the value of a penalty unit was specified under the Legislation Act 2001 (introductory material). The Act itself does not set monetary penalties for breach of its procedural duties; enforcement is through the civil mechanisms described above.
Enforcement risks and procedures are largely court‑driven. Courts can refuse enforcement for specific statutory reasons (ss 17I, 36). Where an application for setting aside or suspension is pending in the jurisdiction of issuance, the court in the ACT may adjourn and order security from the party seeking recognition or enforcement (s 36(2)). For interim measures the court must not review the substance of the measure when determining recognition or enforcement, but can refuse enforcement on enumerated grounds (s 17I(3)).
How it interacts with other laws
The Act is drafted to operate in a federal context and to interact with other ACT, State, Territory and Commonwealth legislation in specific ways set out in the text.
Relationship with International Arbitration Act and Model Law materials. The Act applies to domestic commercial arbitrations; the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cwlth) governs international commercial arbitrations and enforcement of foreign awards (s 1(1), note). Many provisions of the Act are modelled on the UNCITRAL Model Law, with notes marking where the Act diverges (Pt 1A notes, many section notes).
Non‑derogable or other legislation. The Act preserves the operation of other Acts under which certain disputes may not be submitted to arbitration or are submitted only under different statutory rules (s 1(5)). It also provides that, subject to subsection (5), arbitrations provided for in other Acts are to be treated as if an arbitration agreement existed and the arbitration falls under the Act unless the other Act indicates otherwise (s 1(6)).
Interaction with court procedural rules. The Court Procedures Act 2004 and rules of court govern the practice and procedure for applications under the Act; the Act expressly allows rules of court to be made for carrying out the purposes of the Act and for specified matters such as applications under the Act, payment of money into court, examination of witnesses, offers of compromise and other matters (s 40(1)).
Legal Profession Act 2006. Costs directed by an award are to be assessed in accordance with the Legal Profession Act 2006, division 3.2.7 (s 33C), tying assessment of legal costs in arbitration to that Act where awards direct such costs.
Confidentiality and other statutory obligations. The confidentiality regime contemplates disclosure authorised or required by a relevant law, including Territory, Commonwealth or State legislation, and requires written particulars of such disclosure to be provided to parties (s 27F(9)). Courts are empowered to allow or prohibit disclosure where public interest considerations point in either direction (ss 27H-27I).
Cross‑jurisdiction recognition and enforcement across Australian jurisdictions. Awards and interim measures are to be recognised and, unless the tribunal otherwise provides, enforced in the ACT even if made in another State or Territory, subject to statutory grounds for refusal (ss 17H(2)-(4), 35(1)-(3), 36). The Act therefore creates an internal recognition mechanism within Australia for awards issued in other Australian jurisdictions.
Substantive law selection. The arbitral tribunal must decide disputes in accordance with the law chosen by the parties or, failing designation, in accordance with conflict of laws rules the tribunal considers applicable (s 28(1)-(3)). Any designation of a law refers to substantive law and not conflict of laws rules unless otherwise expressed (s 28(2)). The tribunal may also decide disputes in accordance with other considerations as agreed by the parties (s 28(4)).
The Act does not displace other legislation that makes disputes non‑arbitrable; it defers to those enactments (s 1(5), s 34(2)(b)(i), s 36(1)(b)(i) where subject matter non‑arbitrability is a ground to set aside or refuse recognition). The Act’s repeated references to court rules and to the Legal Profession Act tie arbitral practice to established court processes and lawyer‑regulatory frameworks where awards direct costs or where court assistance is sought.
Amendment history
The republished law includes an amendment record and commencement dates. The document’s endnotes set out the legislative and amendment history as republished to 2 July 2019.
Original enactment. The Commercial Arbitration Act 2017 (A2017‑7) was notified on the legislation register 4 April 2017. Sections 1A and 1B commenced on 4 April 2017. The remainder of the Act commenced 1 July 2017 (endnote 3).
Red Tape Reduction Legislation Amendment Act 2018 (A2018‑33). The Act was amended by A2018‑33. The amendment record in the endnotes notes: sections 1 and 2 of that amending act commenced on 25 September 2018 and schedule 1 part 1.4 commenced on 23 October 2018 (endnote 3). Amendment history entries show that section 7 (Definition and form of arbitration agreement) was amended by A2018‑33 (amdt 1.9) (endnote 4).
Transitional provisions and expiry. Part 20 (transitional) and related transitional provisions had expiry dates noted in the amendment history; some transitional provisions expired on 1 July 2019 (endnote 4). The republication itself incorporates provisions in force to 2 July 2019 and notes earlier republications R1 and R2 in the endnotes (endnote 5).
Editorial changes and notes. The republished law includes explanatory notes that identify where provisions are substantially the same as Model Law articles, and where the Act intentionally departs from the Model Law for domestic application or drafting modernisation (Pt 1A notes and multiple section notes). The Legislation Act 2001 part 11.3 permitted editorial amendments for republication (see initial republication notes), but those editorial changes do not change the law’s effect.
Practitioners should note that the republished instrument’s endnotes provide the legislative staging and amendment sequencing relevant to application and transitional arrangements. The Act as republished includes the amendment made by A2018‑33 to s 7 and records commencement timings in endnote 3. No other amending Acts are recorded in the republished law up to 2 July 2019.
Litigation history
The republished Act does not include any court decisions, reported litigation or statutory case annotations. The text contains no named cases and the endnotes do not catalogue any judicial interpretation history. What the Act does provide is the framework for judicial review and intervention and thus the routes by which disputes about arbitral procedure or awards will reach courts:
jurisdictional challenges and tribunal competence to rule on its own jurisdiction, with a 30 day right to ask the court to decide where a tribunal rules it has jurisdiction as a preliminary question (s 16(9)); courts are directed to make decisions within limits of their authority (s 16(10));
arbitrator challenges and termination of mandates, with timelines for initiating tribunal and court review and explicated finality of court decisions within limits of authority (ss 12-14);
applications for setting aside awards on enumerated grounds and a three month time bar (s 34(1)-(3)); and
an appeal procedure by which parties may agree to allow appeals on questions of law subject to court leave and a restrictive leave test (s 34A).
Because the Act specifies the court functions and the procedural windows, litigation is expected to arise under those statutory routes. The Act’s notes repeatedly point out where it follows the UNCITRAL Model Law and where it diverges; those comparisons do not themselves constitute litigation history but are relevant to interpretation in courts where recourse to Model Law materials is contemplated by the Act (s 2A(3)). The Act also makes the Supreme Court the primary court to carry out particular functions (s 6(1)), but allows the parties to agree that the Magistrates Court has jurisdiction for functions in a given agreement (s 6(2)).
Practitioners researching case law will therefore need to consult court decisions arising under these statutory routes; none are recounted in the text of the Act as republished.
Gotchas
The Act contains a number of technical requirements and procedural traps that can affect the availability of arbitration remedies or create avoidable costs. The following are practical "gotchas" with specific statutory references.
Seat in the ACT triggers most provisions. Many operative sections apply only where the place of arbitration is in the ACT (s 1(2)). If parties do not specify the seat or choose a different State/Territory seat, the Act’s default rules will not apply. Parties should define the seat clearly in the arbitration agreement to ensure the Act governs, if that is intended.
Writing requirement and proof. The arbitration agreement must be in writing, but "writing" is broadly defined (s 7(3)-(7)). Relying on an exchange of pleadings (s 7(6)) or on a reference to an outside document (s 7(7)) requires care: procurement of documentary proof that the requisite "content is recorded" will often be necessary in court challenges under s 8 or in enforcement applications under s 35.
Deadlines for challenges and recourse. Time bars are short and strict. A party must send a written statement of reasons to challenge an arbitrator within 15 days after becoming aware of the constitution of the tribunal or the relevant circumstance (s 13(2)). Applications to set aside awards and appeals are subject to a three month limitation from the date the party received the award or disposal of a s 33 request (ss 34(3), 34A(6)). Missing these windows can forfeit remedies.
Default number of arbitrators. The Act defaults to a single arbitrator if parties fail to agree (s 10(2)), which differs from the Model Law default of three. Parties who expect multiple arbitrators must expressly stipulate numbers and appointment procedure.
Court appointment and finality. When party appointment procedures fail, the court appoints arbitrators (s 11(3)-(5)). Parties who omit clear appointment mechanisms expose themselves to judicial appointment and to the court’s assessment of qualifications (s 11(6)). While the Act states decisions of the court within limits of the court’s authority are final (e.g. s 11(5), s 13(5), s 14(3), s 16(10)), notes explain that review remains open where a court exceeds its authority; parties should be aware that "finality" can be delimited by jurisdictional overreach.
Jurisdictional pleas and timing. Pleas that the tribunal lacks jurisdiction must be raised no later than the statement of defence (s 16(4)); the tribunal can admit later pleas only if delay is justified (s 16(7)). Appointment of an arbitrator does not waive the right to raise jurisdictional pleas (s 16(5)), but failing to advance the plea in time may forfeit the objection.
Interim measures threshold. For certain interim measures (s 17(2)(a)-(c)) the requesting party must show harm not adequately reparable by damages that substantially outweighs harm to the opposing party, and a reasonable possibility of success on the merits (s 17A(1)-(2)). This hybrid test creates evidentiary and strategic burdens before tribunals grant relief.
Tribunal orders need court leave to be enforceable. Orders given by tribunals are enforceable as court orders only by leave of the court (s 19(6)). Parties seeking compulsion of tribunal orders must seek and obtain court leave.
Confidentiality exceptions and regulatory disclosure. Confidentiality is the default but many exceptions exist, including where disclosure is required by law or by regulatory bodies, and the disclosing person must give written particulars to parties (s 27F(9)). Parties should not assume absolute confidentiality; regulatory and legal requirements can force disclosure.
Appeal by agreement is narrow. Parties can agree to allow appeals on points of law under s 34A, but the court must grant leave on a multi‑factor test including that the question will substantially affect rights and is obviously wrong or raises serious doubt (s 34A(3)). An agreed appeal clause will not automatically give access to full appellate review.
Costs cap and timing. Tribunals may limit costs to a specified amount (s 33B(2)); any direction to limit costs must be made sufficiently in advance. Parties relying on cost limits should ensure the tribunal’s direction is timely to influence conduct and economic decisions; late cost limitations may be ineffective.
Representation by non‑lawyers. A person who is not an Australian legal practitioner may represent parties in arbitration without committing an offence under the Legal Profession Act 2006 (s 24A(2)). Parties must however assess the adviser’s competence and the potential strategic disadvantages of non‑lawyer representation.
Remedies for failed arbitrations. If an arbitration fails (no final award, or award wholly set aside), the court may make such orders about costs as it thinks just, but applications must be made within six months of failure (s 33D). Parties should preserve time for applications and record costs carefully.
These "gotchas" are procedural and documentary rather than substantive policy criticisms. They flow directly from statutory text; practitioners should calendar, draft precisely and consider express contractual provisions to avoid unintended consequences.
How to comply
This section is a practical checklist mapping statutory duties to concrete steps, with direct section citations to ensure compliance with the Act’s requirements.
Make the arbitration agreement a clear, written record.
Ensure the arbitration agreement is in writing and, where possible, clearly records the seat, number of arbitrators, appointment procedure, language, and choice of law (s 7(3)-(7); s 20(1); s 10(1); s 22(1); s 28(1)). Electronic communications qualify only if the information is accessible for subsequent reference (s 7(5)). If relying on an exchange of pleadings to prove agreement, keep the exchange traceable (s 7(6)).
Specify the seat to secure application of ACT provisions where desired.
If you want the Act to apply, specify the place of arbitration as the ACT; many provisions operate only when the seat is in the ACT (s 1(2)). If the seat is elsewhere or left unspecified, the Act’s defaults may not apply.
Decide appointment mechanisms and default fallback rules.
Agree on the number of arbitrators and an appointment procedure. If you opt not to, the Act defaults apply (single arbitrator, s 10(2); court appointment where procedures fail, s 11(3)-(5)). Provide for deadlock and third‑party appointment mechanics to avoid court appointment.
Draft clauses on interim measures, security and costs.
If you wish to restrict the tribunal’s power to award interim measures, state this expressly (s 17(1)). Consider whether to permit security requirements and stipulate whether parties can be required to provide security (s 17E). For cost management, agree on cost‑capping clauses and timing for making or varying cost limits, or allow the tribunal to set a limit early in proceedings (s 33B(2)-(3)).
Record jurisdiction, law and procedure choices.
Spell out the governing law, whether substantive law only or including choice‑of‑conflicts rules (s 28(1)-(3)). Agree whether decisions of law may be referred to the court, and consider whether to contract to preserve appeals under s 34A, understanding the narrow leave test (s 34A(1)-(4)).
Address confidentiality and disclosure.
Incorporate a bespoke confidentiality clause consistent with the Act’s framework. Specify whether parties consent to certain disclosures and whether tribunal or court orders can authorise disclosure in specific circumstances (ss 27E-27G). Provide a process for handling regulatory or legal disclosure obligations so that the written particulars required by s 27F(9) can be supplied.
Calendar procedural timeline obligations and preserve rights.
Note and calendar critical time limits: 15 days for challenges after awareness of grounds (s 13(2)); 30 days to seek court review of a tribunal’s preliminary jurisdictional ruling (s 16(9)); three months for setting aside or bringing an appeal (ss 34(3), 34A(6)). Preserve evidence and communications to support or oppose challenges.
Prepare for court applications and evidence‑taking.
If you anticipate needing court assistance to take evidence or to compel witnesses/documents, obtain the tribunal’s permission before applying for subpoenas (s 27A(2)). When applying for court assistance to take evidence, follow rules of court and be prepared to justify orders affecting non‑parties (s 27(1)-(2); s 27B(4)-(6)).
Manage arbitrator disclosure and challenge risk.
When appointing or accepting appointment, require arbitrators to make full written disclosures of circumstances which might raise justifiable doubts as to impartiality or independence (s 12(1)-(2)). Be prepared to challenge promptly and follow the prescribed procedure (s 13(2)-(4)). If an arbitrator has acted as mediator, follow disclosure requirements set out in s 27D(7).
Implement procedural orders and enforcement strategy.
Where tribunals make procedural or evidentiary orders, consider seeking court leave to make those orders enforceable in the same manner as court orders if compliance is an issue (s 19(6)). For awards, prepare the original award and, if not in English, a translation as requested by the court (s 35(2)-(3)). If seeking enforcement of an interim measure or award from the court, be ready to supply security if ordered by the court (ss 17H(4), 36(2)).
Record and manage costs and interest entitlements.
If the parties want to limit or specify interest or compound interest provisions after a due date, include express agreement, or ensure tribunal has power to direct interest under s 33E or s 33F. Use the tribunal’s power to tax or settle costs and ensure applications for costs directions are made within 14 days when necessary (s 33B(5)-(6)).
Consider whether to allow non‑lawyer representation.
If chosen, document the decision to allow non‑lawyer representation and ensure that such representatives are competent for the intended tasks, keeping in mind the Act permits non‑lawyers to represent parties without committing an offence under the Legal Profession Act (s 24A(2)).
Plan for possible consolidation or related proceedings.
If related proceedings exist, consider consolidation options under s 27C. Applications to tribunal(s) for consolidation must identify common questions, transaction series or other reasons, and tribunals must take account of potential substantial hardship to parties (s 27C(1)-(8)).
Draft termination and settlement clauses.
Incorporate mechanisms for recording awards on agreed terms and termination procedures (s 30). If specific performance is a desired remedy, note the tribunal’s express power to award specific performance where the court would have such power (s 33A).
These compliance steps map directly to the Act. They reduce risks created by defaults in the Act (for example seats, default arbitrator numbers and appointment procedures) and align contractual drafting to the statutory timetable for challenges and recourse.
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Commercial Arbitration Act 2017
Contents
Page
Part 1A Preliminary
1A Name of Act 2
1C Paramount object of Act 2
1D Act to bind Crown 3
1E Dictionary 3
1F Notes 4
Part 1 General Provisions
1 Scope of application 5
2 Rules of interpretation 6
2A International origin and general principles 7
3 Receipt of written communications 8
4 Waiver of right to object 8
5 Extent of court intervention 9
6 Court for certain functions of arbitration assistance and supervision 9
Contents
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Part 2 Arbitration agreement
7 Definition and form of arbitration agreement 11
8 Arbitration agreement and substantive claim before court 12
9 Arbitration agreement and interim measures by court 12
Part 3 Composition of arbitral tribunal
10 Number of arbitrators 13
11 Appointment of arbitrators 13
12 Grounds for challenge 15
13 Challenge procedure 16
14 Failure or impossibility to act 17
15 Appointment of substitute arbitrator 17
Part 4 Jurisdiction of arbitral tribunal
16 Competence of arbitral tribunal to rule on its jurisdiction 18
Part 4A Interim measures
Division 1 Interim measures
17 Power of arbitral tribunal to order interim measures 20
17A Conditions for granting interim measures 21
Division 2 Preliminary orders
17B Applications for preliminary orders and conditions for granting
preliminary orders 22
17C Specific regime for preliminary orders 22
Division 3 Provisions applicable to interim measures
17D Modification, suspension, termination 22
17E Provision of security 23
17F Disclosure 23
17G Costs and damages 23
Division 4 Recognition and enforcement of interim measures
17H Recognition and enforcement 24
17I Grounds for refusing recognition or enforcement 25
Division 5 Court-ordered interim measures
17J Court-ordered interim measures 26
Contents
Page
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Part 5 Conduct of arbitral proceedings
18 Equal treatment of parties 27
19 Determination of rules of procedure 27
20 Place of arbitration 28
21 Commencement of arbitral proceedings 28
22 Language 28
23 Statements of claim and defence 29
24 Hearings and written proceedings 29
24A Representation 30
24B General duties of parties 30
25 Default of a party 31
26 Expert appointed by arbitral tribunal 32
27 Court assistance in taking evidence 33
27A Parties may obtain subpoenas 33
27B Refusal or failure to attend before arbitral tribunal or to produce
document 33
27C Consolidation of arbitral proceedings 35
27D Power of arbitrator to act as mediator, conciliator or other non-arbitral
intermediary 38
27E Disclosure of confidential information 39
27F Circumstances in which confidential information may be disclosed 40
27G Arbitral tribunal may allow disclosure of confidential information in
certain circumstances 41
27H Court may prohibit disclosure of confidential information in certain
circumstances 42
27I Court may allow disclosure of confidential information in certain
circumstances 43
27J Determination of preliminary point of law by court 44
Part 6 Making of award and termination of
proceedings
28 Rules applicable to substance of dispute 45
29 Decision-making by panel of arbitrators 45
30 Settlement 46
31 Form and contents of award 46
32 Termination of proceedings 47
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33 Correction and interpretation of award, and making additional award 47
33A Specific performance 48
33B Costs 49
33C Application of Legal Profession Act 2006 50
33D Costs of abortive arbitration 50
33E Interest up to making of award 51
33F Interest on debt under award 51
Part 7 Recourse against award
34 Application for setting aside as exclusive recourse against arbitral
award 53
34A Appeals against awards 55
Part 8 Recognition and enforcement of awards
35 Recognition and enforcement 57
36 Grounds for refusing recognition or enforcement 57
Part 9 Miscellaneous
37 Death of party 59
38 Interpleader 59
39 Immunity 59
40 Court rules 60
41 Regulation-making power 61
Dictionary 62
Endnotes
1 About the endnotes 65
2 Abbreviation key 65
3 Legislation history 66
4 Amendment history 67
5 Earlier republications 68
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Commercial Arbitration Act 2017
An Act for the conduct of commercial arbitration, and for other purposes
Part 1A Preliminary
Section 1A
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Part 1A Preliminary
Note Sections of this Act that contain a reference to the ‘Model Law’ beneath
the heading are substantially the same as the provisions of the
UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration (as
adopted by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law
on 21 June 1985 with amendments as adopted by that Commission in
2006) so as to be as uniform as possible with the UNCITRAL Model
Law.
Some changes have been made to those provisions of the Act based on
the UNCITRAL Model Law to amend or supplement the provisions in
their application to domestic arbitrations in the ACT or to accommodate
modern drafting styles and conventions (for example, provisions drafted
in gender neutral terms and archaisms are replaced with modern
alternatives).
Notes draw attention to substantive changes.
The original numbering of the ‘articles’ of the UNCITRAL Model Law
has been retained but converted to references to ‘sections’, and articles
containing more than 1 have been re-formatted into subsections.
There are a number of additional provisions to those based on the
UNCITRAL Model Law.
The Model Law contains provisions that are not needed in this Act—the
article number and heading to the article appearing in the Model Law are
included in this Act despite the omission of the body of the section.
1A Name of Act
This Act is the Commercial Arbitration Act 2017.
1C Paramount object of Act
(1) The paramount object of this Act is to facilitate the fair and final
resolution of commercial disputes by impartial arbitral tribunals
without unnecessary delay or expense.
(2) This Act aims to achieve its paramount object by—
(a) enabling parties to agree about how their commercial disputes
are to be resolved (subject to subsection (3) and such safeguards
as are necessary in the public interest); and
Preliminary Part 1A
Section 1D
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(b) providing arbitration procedures that enable commercial
disputes to be resolved in a cost effective manner, informally
and quickly.
(3) This Act must be interpreted, and the functions of an arbitral tribunal
must be exercised, so that (as far as practicable) the paramount object
of this Act is achieved.
(4) Subsection (3) does not affect the application of the Legislation Act,
section 139 for the purposes of interpreting this Act.
1D Act to bind Crown
Note The Model Law includes a provision binding the Crown. The provision
is unnecessary in the ACT (see Legislation Act, s 121).
1E Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1 The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this
Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined
elsewhere in this Act.
For example, the signpost definition ‘arbitration agreement—see section
7.’ means that the term ‘arbitration agreement’ is defined in that section
and the definition applies to this Act.
Note 2 A definition in the dictionary applies to the entire Act unless the
definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the
contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and
s 156 (1)).
Part 1A Preliminary
Section 1F
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1F Notes
(1) A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
Note See the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
(2) In this section:
note includes material enclosed in brackets in section headings.
Note Some sections of this Act contain bracketed notes under their headings
(eg Model Law art 1) drawing attention to equivalent or comparable
(though not necessarily identical) provisions of the UNCITRAL Model
Law on International Commercial Arbitration.
General Provisions Part 1
Section 1
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Part 1 General Provisions
1 Scope of application
(Model Law art 1)
(1) This Act applies to domestic commercial arbitrations.
Note The International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cwlth) covers international
commercial arbitrations and the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards.
(2) The provisions of this Act, except section 8, section 9, section 17H,
section 17I, section 17J, section 35 and section 36, apply only if the
place of arbitration is in the ACT.
(3) An arbitration is domestic if—
(a) the parties to an arbitration agreement have, at the time of the
conclusion of that agreement, their places of business in
Australia; and
(b) the parties have (whether in the arbitration agreement or in any
other document in writing) agreed that any dispute that has
arisen or may arise between them is to be settled by arbitration;
and
(c) it is not an arbitration to which the Model Law (as given effect
by the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cwlth)) applies.
(4) For subsection (3)—
(a) if a party has more than 1 place of business, the place of business
is that which has the closest relationship to the arbitration
agreement; and
(b) if a party does not have a place of business, reference is to be
made to the party’s habitual residence.
(5) This Act does not affect any other Act by virtue of which certain
disputes may not be submitted to arbitration or may be submitted to
arbitration only according to provisions other than those of this Act.
Part 1 General Provisions
Section 2
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(6) Subject to subsection (5), this Act applies to arbitrations provided for
in any other Act as if—
(a) the other Act were an arbitration agreement; and
(b) the arbitration were pursuant to an arbitration agreement; and
(c) the parties to the dispute which, by virtue of the other Act, is
referred to arbitration were the parties to the arbitration
agreement;
except in so far as the other Act otherwise indicates or requires.
Note 1 A note to the model law states that the term ‘commercial’ should be given
a wide interpretation so as to cover matters arising from all relationships
of a commercial nature, whether contractual or not. Relationships of a
commercial nature include, but are not limited to, the following
transactions: any trade transaction for the supply or exchange of goods or
services; distribution agreement; commercial representation or agency;
factoring; leasing; construction of works; consulting; engineering;
licensing; investment; financing; banking; insurance; exploitation
agreement or concession; joint venture and other forms of industrial or
business co-operation; carriage of goods or passengers by air, sea, rail or
road.
Note 2 This section differs from the Model Law to the extent necessary to apply
art 1 as incorporated in this Act to domestic commercial arbitrations.
Section 40 contains provisions that also relate to the application of this
Act.
2 Rules of interpretation
(Model Law art 2)
(1) [omitted]
Note This section differs from the Model Law to the extent that the definitions
in art 2 (1) are set out in the dictionary to this Act.
(2) Where a provision of this Act, except section 28, leaves the parties
free to determine a certain issue, such freedom includes the right of
the parties to authorise a third-party, including an institution, to make
that determination.
General Provisions Part 1
Section 2A
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(3) Where a provision of this Act refers to the fact that the parties have
agreed or that they may agree or in any other way refers to an
agreement of the parties, such agreement includes any arbitration
rules referred to in that agreement.
(4) Where a provision of this Act, other than section 25 (1) (a) an
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.