Dear Member

This is my first report for the year, and I am pleased to share that we continue to deliver high-quality training and events.

With escalating conflicts in the Middle East driving a surge in commercial disputes across various sectors, Ciarb is well-positioned to provide support.

We kicked off with the 2026 Pre Moot held in Sydney from March 4 – 5. Our thanks to all participants, including teams, volunteer arbitrators, the grand final tribunal, sponsors, and especially Kristian Maley, who led the Young Members Group,  Lucinda Brabazon, Amy Hando, Jake Lengui and Katie Mead in organising this important initiative.

This was soon followed by this year’s International Women’s Day, featuring Her Hon Judge Elizabeth Brimer KC in conversation with Monique Carroll, Partner, Mills Oakley. Initiated by our CEO, Gianna Totaro, I am pleased to see that the IWD initiative has become a permanent fixture in our annual program of events.

Looking ahead, I am excited to announce that the Ciarb Australia Masterclass led by professors Doug Jones AO and Janet Walker CM will return in August. Additionally, the inaugural Applied Arbitration for Fellows, led by Michael Tonkin, 2027 Ciarb Global President-Elect, will take place in November. Further details will be released soon.

I had the honour of delivering a paper at the International Congress of Maritime Arbitrators XXIII in Singapore (22 – 27 March) on the topic of documents-only arbitration. The congress attracted over 600 delegates from around the world. It has been fascinating to witness Singapore (SCMA) emerging as a maritime and trade arbitration hub, seeking to rival London (LMAA) and New York (SMA).

I look forward to joining the faculty for the Asia Pacific Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration in Hong Kong (18 – 26 April). This important joint venture between the Australia, East Asia, and Singapore branches, now in its 10th year, is vital for promoting CIArb throughout the region.

The branch will once again actively participate in the Australian Arbitration Week from 12 – 16 October. We are co-hosting the International Arbitration conference with ACICA at Sofitel On Collins, Melbourne on 12 October.

A key highlight of the week will be the 2026 Ciarb Australia Annual Lecture, delivered by The Hon Justice Clyde Croft AM from the Supreme Court of Victoria on 13 October at HSF Kramer. Additionally, the Ciarb Australia YMG will present another engaging event.

On behalf of my fellow Councillors and our CEO, we look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events and training courses listed below.