The decision to form the Australian branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators was taken in 1994, but the branch did not become functional until 1995 when Jim Creer was appointed the inaugural Branch Chairman. In 1995 there were approximately 50 Australians who were members of the Institute most of whom joined the branch as the foundation members.

The branch has conducted the Institute examinations since 1996 and this has been repeated each year.

Gary Downes QC (now Mr Justice Downes of the Federal Court of Australia) was elected the second Branch Chairman in 1999, followed by Doug Jones AM RFD in 2002, Michael Shand QC in 2005 and Malcolm Holmes QC in 2006.

Branch membership presently stands at 168 in total, including 35 Chartered Arbitrators, 83 Members, 43 Associate members and 7 retired members.