Petroleum (Timor Sea Treaty) Act 2003

Schedule 1 - Timor Sea Treaty  

Note: This is the copy of the Treaty referred to in the definition of Treaty in subsection 5(1) of this Act.

 

Annex B under Article 23 of this Treaty  

Dispute Resolution Procedure

(a) An arbitral tribunal to which a dispute is submitted pursuant to Article 23(b), shall consist of three persons appointed as follows:

i. Australia and East Timor shall each appoint one arbitrator;

ii. the arbitrators appointed by Australia and East Timor shall, within sixty (60) days of the appointment of the second of them, by agreement, select a third arbitrator who shall be a citizen, or permanent resident of a third country which has diplomatic relations with both Australia and East Timor;

iii. Australia and East Timor shall, within sixty (60) days of the selection of the third arbitrator, approve the selection of that arbitrator who shall act as Chairman of the Tribunal.

(b) Arbitration proceedings shall be instituted upon notice being given through the diplomatic channel by the country instituting such proceedings to the other country. Such notice shall contain a statement setting forth in summary form the grounds of the claim, the nature of the relief sought, and the name of the arbitrator appointed by the country instituting such proceedings. Within sixty (60) days after the giving of such notice the respondent country shall notify the country instituting proceedings of the name of the arbitrator appointed by the respondent country.

(c) If, within the time limits provided for in sub-paragraphs (a)(ii) and (iii) and paragraph (b) of this Annex, the required appointment has not been made or the required approval has not been given, Australia or East Timor may request the President of the International Court of Justice to make the necessary appointment. If the President is a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or East Timor or is otherwise unable to act, the Vice-President shall be invited to make the appointment. If the Vice-President is a citizen, or permanent resident of Australia or East Timor or is otherwise unable to act, the Member of the International Court of Justice next in seniority who is not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia or East Timor shall be invited to make the appointment.

(d) In case any arbitrator appointed as provided for in this Annex shall resign or become unable to act, a successor arbitrator shall be appointed in the same manner as prescribed for the appointment of the original arbitrator and the successor shall have all the powers and duties of the original arbitrator.

(e) The Arbitral Tribunal shall convene at such time and place as shall be fixed by the Chairman of the Tribunal. Thereafter, the Arbitral Tribunal shall determine where and when it shall sit.

(f) The Arbitral Tribunal shall decide all questions relating to its competence and shall, subject to any agreement between Australia and East Timor, determine its own procedure.

(g) Before the Arbitral Tribunal makes a decision, it may at any stage of the proceedings propose to Australia and East Timor that the dispute be settled amicably. The Arbitral Tribunal shall reach its award by majority vote taking into account the provisions of this Treaty and relevant international law.

(h) Australia and East Timor shall each bear the costs of its appointed arbitrator and its own costs in preparing and presenting cases. The cost of the Chairman of the Tribunal and the expenses associated with the conduct of the arbitration shall be borne in equal parts by Australia and East Timor.

(i) The Arbitral Tribunal shall afford to Australia and East Timor a fair hearing. It may render an award on the default of either Australia or East Timor. In any case, the Arbitral Tribunal shall render its award within six (6) months from the date it is convened by the Chairman of the Tribunal. Any award shall be rendered in writing and shall state its legal basis. A signed counterpart of the award shall be transmitted to Australia and East Timor.

(j) An award shall be final and binding on Australia and East Timor.