The Australian Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) was formed in 1995, with headquarters in Sydney. Its membership is spread through all Australian mainland States and Territories and there is also a Victorian Chapter established within the Australian Branch structure. The Branch Committee of 15 meets regularly, with those who are based outside NSW participating in the meetings by teleconference.

Reflecting the objectives of the Institute as a whole, the primary object of the Australian Branch is to promote and facilitate the determination of disputes by alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes, including arbitration, mediation and adjudication.

In pursuing this aim, it provides the following services:

• Education and training programs for potential and practising arbitrators;
• Maintenance of dispute resolution panels with expertise in specific fields;
• Appointment and nomination service of suitably qualified persons to act as arbitrators and/or mediators;
• Nomination service of expert witnesses;
• Setting-up and administration of small claims arbitration schemes.

On the 1st February 2006 the Australian Branch was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. To view the Constitution click here.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators itself was founded in London in 1915, incorporated in 1924 and granted a Royal Charter in 1979. It is a professional body with a multi-disciplinary membership of over 10,000 located in some 86 countries. The membership profile includes practitioners in law, construction, shipping finance, insurance, agriculture, accountancy and medicine. The Institutes sphere of interests is constantly being widened to encompass other specialist fields and procedures. For details of London headquarters and list of international Branches, please go to www.arbitrators.org