3Interpretation

3 Interpretation

(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:

agreement means an agreement in writing and includes:

(a) a treaty or other international agreement in writing; and
(b) a contract or other agreement in writing.

Australia when used in a geographical sense, includes each of the external Territories.

bill of exchange includes a promissory note.

court includes a tribunal or other body (by whatever name called) that has functions, or exercises powers, that are judicial functions or powers or are of a kind similar to judicial functions or powers.

Department of Foreign Affairs means the Department administered by the Minister who administers the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1967.

diplomatic property means property that, at the relevant time, is in use predominantly for the purpose of establishing or maintaining a diplomatic or consular mission, or a visiting mission, of a foreign State to Australia.

foreign award means the following:

(a) an arbitral award within the meaning of Part II of the International Arbitration Act 1974;
(b) an award within the meaning of Part IV of that Act.

foreign judgment means a judgment to which Part 2 of the Foreign Judgments Act 1991 applies.

foreign State means a country the territory of which is outside Australia, being a country that is:

(a) an independent sovereign state; or
(b) a separate territory (whether or not it is self‑governing) that is not part of an independent sovereign state.

initiating process means an instrument (including a statement of claim, application, summons, writ, order or third party notice):

(a) by which a proceeding is commenced; or
(b) by reference to which a person becomes a party to a proceeding.

Note: Examples of an initiating process are:

(a) a summons for the registration of a foreign judgment; and
(b) an application for the recognition or enforcement of a foreign award.

law of Australia means:

(a) a law in force throughout Australia; or
(b) a law of or in force in a part of Australia;