3   Definitions

(1)  In this Act, except in so far as the context or subject-matter otherwise indicates or requires:

action includes proceedings.

arbitrator means an arbitrator holding office under section 5.

referred action means an action the subject of an unrevoked reference to an arbitrator under section 76B of the Supreme Court Act 1970, section 63A of the District Court Act 1973 or section 21H of the Local Courts (Civil Claims) Act 1970.

regulations means regulations made under this Act.

rules means rules made under the Supreme Court Act 1970, the District Court Act 1973 or the Local Courts (Civil Claims) Act 1970, as the case may require, including rules applied by section 20.

this Act includes the regulations and the rules.

(2)  Where under section 76B of the Supreme Court Act 1970, section 63A of the District Court Act 1973 or section 21H of the Local Courts (Civil Claims) Act 1970, an action is referred to arbitrators, a reference in this Act (however expressed) to an arbitrator in relation to the action includes a reference to those arbitrators.