- October 13, 2026
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
2026 Ciarb Australia Annual Lecture
Resisting the Temptation of Domesticity – The Court’s Role in Promoting Arbitration in Australia
The Hon Justice Clyde Croft AM
As arbitration in Australia and abroad continues its rapid growth, courts continue to play a limited, albeit important role at all stages of the arbitral proceeding, from referring a dispute to arbitration to the enforcement of arbitral awards. Decisions rendered by Australian courts are accordingly crucial in supporting the continued uptake of arbitration and Australia as a desirable seat for arbitral proceedings.
In this year’s Ciarb Australia Annual Lecture, the Hon Justice Clyde Croft AM, Reserve Judge, formerly the Judge in Charge of the Arbitration List of the Supreme Court of Victoria, examines the role of Australian courts in arbitral proceedings, cautioning against the ‘temptation of domesticity’, and highlighting the need to adhere to an international jurisdictional approach to preserve Australia’s ongoing standing as a forum for international arbitration.
Guest Speaker: The Hon Justice Clyde Croft AM, Supreme Court of Victoria
Opening Remarks: Geoff Farnsworth, Ciarb Australia President
Sponsor Remarks: Chad Catterwell, Partner, HSFK, (Melbourne)
Introduction To Speaker: Martin Scott KC, Ciarb Australia Councillor
Vote of Thanks: James Allsop, Partner, HSFK (Melbourne) and Gitta Satryani, Managing Partner, HSFK (Singapore)
Date: Tuesday 13 October 2026
Time: 5:45pm – 8:00pm
Venue:
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer
Level 24, 80 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
RSVP: By no later than Thursday, 8 October 2026
Enquiries:
Gianna Totaro
CEO, CIArb Australia
Mob: 0438 337 328
info@ciarb.net.au
Proudly sponsored by:
About the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Since 1915 the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators exists for the global promotion, facilitation and development of all forms of private dispute resolution. In addition to providing education, training and accreditation for arbitrators, mediators and adjudicators, Ciarb acts as an international centre for practitioners, policymakers, academics and the business community. Our international membership of over 19,000 professionals spans more than 150 jurisdictions, connected by over 40 active Ciarb Branches worldwide. We support our members with learning and networking opportunities, qualifications, mentorship, research and resources, events and best practice guidance via our global branch network.
Ciarb Australia Branch, formed in 1995, provides tailored support for its membership and is involved in legislative policy and the development of legal principle. Branch membership comprises eminent and experienced professionals with globally recognised qualifications, resolving disputes in a wide range of sectors including major infrastructure and construction, transport, energy and resources, maritime, sport, finance, IT, the arts, media and government schemes.
