Overview of the AIRC centenary
The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) celebrated its centenary in 2004–05 with
a program of events designed to encourage public understanding of the tribunal's role and work.
Events included:
- a national tour of the AIRC's Centenary Exhibition;
- the launch of A New Province for Law and Order, a book focussing on the history of the AIRC;
- a national conference looking at the history and future of the AIRC—presented by the Industrial
Relations Society of Australia.
What are the key dates in the early history of the AIRC?
The AIRC was established as the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration in
1904–05. Key events include:
| 9 & 15 Dec 1904 |
Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1904, which establishes the Commonwealth
Court of Conciliation and Arbitration, is passed by the Australian Parliament (9 December) and receives
Royal Assent (15 December). |
| 26 Jan 1905 |
First Industrial Registrar, Gordon Castle, is appointed and principal Registry established in Melbourne. |
14 Feb 1905 |
First President of the Court, Justice Richard O'Connor, receives his commission. |
| 15 May 1905 |
Merchant Services Guild of Australasia is the first industrial organisation to be registered under the Commonwealth Conciliation and Arbitration Act 1904. |
| 8 Nov 1905 |
Registries established in NSW, QLD, SA, WA and TAS. |
| 10 Nov 1905 |
First hearing by the Court—Railways Employees Association Appeal Case—
Darlinghurst Court House, NSW. |
The Centenary Exhibition
Prepared by the Sir Richard Kirby Archives, the exhibition outlined the development of conciliation and
arbitration over the 100 years following the establishment of the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and
Arbitration in 1904-05.
It featured a detailed timeline with information including appointments to the tribunal, summaries of
significant cases, major legislative changes and key industrial and contemporary events.
The exhibition was in three parts—a six-metre long, double-sided physical display, an electronic
display (accessed by a stand-alone computer) and a collection of framed photographs.
Find out more about the Centenary Exhibition.
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