13Challenge 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 Section 14 R3 02/07/19 Commercial Arbitration Act 2017 Effective: 02/07/19 page 17 Authorised by the ACT Parliamentary Counsel—also accessible at www.legislation.act.gov.au