Australia’s International and Domestic Arbitration Framework

Abstract

The legal regime for arbitration in Australia has undergone dramatic changes in the past five years. International arbitration matters are now governed exclusively by the International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) (at least for arbitration agreements entered into on or after 6 July 2010) and domestic arbitration is regulated by new uniform State and Territory legislation (except in the ACT). This paper examines key aspects of the Commonwealth legislation including the enforcement of arbitral agreements and awards under the New York Convention, the scope and application of the UNCITRAL Model Law in Australia (including the status of pre-6 July 2010 agreements) and the amendments introduced in 2..