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NSW Governor encourages women to pursue career in Dispute Resolution

  • 1.  NSW Governor encourages women to pursue career in Dispute Resolution

    Posted 26-10-2021 08:48 AM

    The Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC has agreed to lend her name to a new Resolution Institute scholarship exclusively for women which is aimed at boosting the numbers of women in the profession of determinative dispute resolution.

    Currently, six per cent of accredited expert determiners in Australia are female and just seven per cent of Resolution Institute expert determination nominations in the past twelve months (to March 2021) have been to females.

    "I am very honoured to have been asked to have the scholarship named after me. In accepting that honour, I am confident it will add to the contribution the Resolution Institute is making in building a stronger Alternative Dispute Resolution community," said Her Excellency.

    A recent Australian Arbitration Survey showed that in the 223 arbitrations referred to, where parties indicated the gender of the arbitrator, less than 10% of arbitrators appointed were women: for international arbitrations, 92% of arbitrators were male and 8% were female; and for domestic arbitrations, 93% of arbitrators were male and 7% were female.

    This is generally representative of the demographics in Australia and shows change is required. Globally, this figure is 21.3%*, still less than a quarter showing that there is a long way to go before there is gender equity. Resolution Institute is committed to meaningful change in this space and to closing the gap.

    "There is a significant gender disparity in determinative dispute resolution in Australia and New Zealand. Women are substantially underrepresented in the determinative community generally. Although, arbitration is thriving in Australia, a recent report has pointed out that the appointment of female arbitrators within Australia is five years behind the global norm, with less than 10% of appointed arbitrators being females," said Amber Williams, CEO of Resolution Institute.

    "In line with our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan and our commitment to increasing representation of women in determinative and commercial dispute resolution practice we are pleased to announce the inaugural The Hon Margaret Beazley AC QC Expert Determination Scholarship has been awarded to Victorian based Dispute Resolution practitioner Alicia Hill," said Ms. Williams.

    "It's an encouragement for me to branch out into an area that I have toyed with the idea of formally qualifying in for some time. I am honoured to be chosen as the inaugural scholarship recipient and I hope that by doing so I can encourage other women to follow suit," said Ms. Hill.

    "The inaugural scholarship was open to all Resolution Institute female members, for those wishing to either develop an alternative career path or to be included on the Resolution Institute Register of Practising Expert Determiners," said Ms. Williams. 

     

     The scholarship will be offered annually with the first course running online in October 2021. A second face to face course will be available in the first quarter of 2022 and more information can be found here.

    Who should apply? 

    Aspiring female Expert Determiners who are currently working in areas such as law, building and construction, accounting, engineering, mining, or architecture. To be eligible to apply, you must meet the minimum selection criteria:

    • Demonstrated experience in a related industry and/or in the application of dispute resolution within any industry.
    • Three years or more dispute resolution experience or equivalent.
    • Only citizens of Australia or permanent residents may apply.

     



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    Sean Brogan
    Public Affairs Manager
    Resolution Institute
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