The Industrial Arbitration Act of 1912 reflected the emphasis on arbitration rather than conciliation, and the Court of Arbitration became the centre of the system rather than a court of last resort. The court continued to operate with arbitral and judicial powers and a minor conciliatory role. The Courts powers were broadened under some of the amendments to the 1912 Act.

On the 1 March 1922, the responsibility for the registration of unions passed from the Registrar of Friendly Societies to the Clerk of the Court of Arbitration.