The purp04e of this research was to evaluate compulsory arbitration in Australia and elsewhere against a criterion of industrial conflict; and to contribute to knowledge of industrial conflict and relations in industry. Part I outlines the origins, history and development of the Australian system. Analysis brought out:- 1. Impressive growth ot the system. 2. Regional differences in growth. 3. Preoccupation with economic and material disputes and only the legal and logical aspects of these. 4. Extreme complexity, formality, "legalism", delay and expense. 5. That prevailing tactics of parties and specialists were determining the work and influence of the ,yst_. 6. The inefficacy of laws, penalties, sanctions and compulsion either to prevent or settle strikes. 7. That conciliation had declined to become negligible. 8. That compulsion was enabling the parties to avoid responsibility to their constituents. Part II compares and analyses industrial conflict in various countries. Australia was observed to have a greater strike problem than most comparable countries. The pattern of industrial conflict in Australia and New Zealand appeared distinctive, strikes being comparitively numerous and Short. Further analysis of industrial conflict in Australia covered regional comparisons, economic influences, industrial distribution, duration, causes and results of strikes. Part III applies the foregoing investigations to the ii purposes of the research. The Australian system, judged by international and regional comparisons was found wanting; ,and compulsory arbitration seemed doubtfully appropriate for the problems of industrial conflict under any circumstances. Industrial conflict itself was considered, first to achieve comprehensive perspective and establish the generalisei "unrest" which underlies conflict; and secondly to consider its constituents namely trade unions and informal groups. A frame ot reference orientated on psychological and sociological viewpoints was established, and applied to comprehend some observations ot industrial conflict. Finally the implications tor practice were coniidered, and suggestions tor reform of the Australian compulsory arbitration system expressed.