Summary: This is the first in our series exploring the findings in ACICA’s Australia Arbitration Survey. The survey unearthed some really promising data regarding the scale of arbitration activity occurring in Australia – most notably, it found evidence of 223 unique arbitrations active over a 3 year period with a combined value in dispute estimated at around $35 billion. However, the survey also revealed some confronting statistics regarding the diversity of arbitrator appointments, notably, that more than 90% of arbitrators appointed to arbitrations with an Australian connection were male. Those arbitrators were similarly likely to be either Australian or English. Our guests discuss these diversity statistics and the measures aimed at tackling this imbalance: • Deborah Tomkinson, Secretary General, Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) • Paula Hodges, Head of Global Arbitration Practice, Herbert Smith Freehills • Chad Catterwell, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills • Guillermo Garcia-Perrote, Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills
