ACICA Rules 2021

The 2021 ACICA Arbitration Rules and Expedited Arbitration Rules were formally approved and adopted by the ACICA Board in March 2021. The new Arbitration Rules and Expedited Arbitration rules came into effect on 1 April 2021.

The revised ACICA Rules reflect developments in international best practice, including with reference to improved online practices developed during COVID-19, and aim to further enhance the arbitration experience for all users. The new Rules build on ACICA’s established practice of providing an effective, efficient and fair arbitral process.

Developed with the invaluable support of the ACICA Rules Committee, and with input from users obtained through an extensive public consultation process, this edition of the ACICA Rules builds on the last set of revisions made in 2016 with a focus on increased efficiencies and process improvements.

Members of the 2021 ACICA Rules Committee: James Morrison (Chairperson, Peter & Kim); Malcolm Holmes QC (Chairperson, NSW Bar); John Arthur (Victorian Bar); Jonathon De Boos (CPB Contractors); Julia Dreosti (Clifford Chance); Bjorn Gehle (Independent Arbitrator); Anne Hoffman (Herbert Smith Freehills); Amanda Lees (King & Wood Mallesons); Nick Longley (HFW); Dr Luke Nottage (University of Sydney); Gordon Smith (Gordon Smith Legal); Robert Tang (Clifford Chance); Deborah Tomkinson (ACICA Secretary General).

ACICA Rules 2021 Booklet

Please click on the relevant link below to download copies of:

Key Amendments

The 2021 edition of the ACICA Arbitration Rules introduces amendments relevant to virtual hearings, paperless filing and electronic execution, multi-party and multi-contract arbitrations, effective case management, third party funding, enhanced oversight of costs, the early determination of disputes, alternative means of dispute resolution and time limits for the delivery of awards. These amendments are summarised below:

The Expedited Arbitration Rules have also been updated as relevant for an expedited process.