The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Australia) will now operate in the Northern Territory, to meet what it said are the growing demands from Territorians for arbitration and dispute resolution to resolve disputes out of court.
Credit: Ciarb Australia (Leading arbitrators conducted a workshop for the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court following the launch)
Ciarb Australia, which is part of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (global professional network and provider of training, accreditation, and practice of arbitration and dispute resolution), has expanded its network across Australia to include the Northern Territory.
A launch to celebrate the expansion was held earlier this month, on Thursday, 14 August, at William Forster Chambers.
Speaking about the launch, Chief Justice of the NT Supreme Court, The Hon Michael Grant AO, said: “This is a significant step in making arbitration more accessible to Territorians and in bringing the territory in line with the national and international arbitration and alternative dispute resolution communities.”
“It is welcomed by the Supreme Court, because arbitration has the benefits of relieving pressure on the courts, reducing costs for the parties, and finalising disputes more quickly,” his honour said.
NT Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby noted: “Arbitration is an important part of a modern justice system. We welcome Ciarb Australia’s decision to establish a Northern Territory chapter, which will enhance our reputation as a place where commercial and civil disputes can be resolved efficiently and with confidence.”
“This will strengthen the territory’s capacity to resolve matters quickly and fairly, giving greater certainty to business and industry,” the A-G said.
Ciarb Australia’s president, Geoff Farnsworth, who is also a partner at Holding Redlich, added: “Our presence in the Top End is to address the growing demand for arbitration (both domestic and international) through promotion, training, and accreditation that carry globally recognised qualifications.”
“That we will be based in Darwin, Australia’s most northern port capital city and the hub of a thriving economy on the doorstep of the most dynamic region on the planet means there will be opportunities for practitioners to be qualified and meet the demand for arbitrating disputes in a wide range of sectors, including major infrastructure and construction, transport, energy and resources, maritime, sport, finance, IT, tourism, the arts, media, and government schemes,” he outlined.
NT Bar Association vice president Dr Cameron Ford OAM SC said that the barristers’ body is developing a scheme for appropriate dispute resolution, including arbitration, “for which Ciarb training and support will be invaluable”.
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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