72LCompulsory conferences

#### 72L Compulsory conferences (1) The Chief of the Defence Force may refer disputes between persons whose interests are affected by a provision of this Act (the parties) to a compulsory conference for one or more of the following purposes: (a) advising the parties of their rights and obligations; (b) facilitating discussion between the parties; (c) identifying issues in dispute; (d) resolving issues in dispute. (2) In deciding whether to refer parties to a dispute to a compulsory conference, the Chief of the Defence Force may consider the following: (a) whether a compulsory conference will assist the parties in resolving the dispute; (b) any other courses of action available to the parties to resolve the dispute; (c) the steps that have been taken by the parties to try to resolve the dispute; (d) whether the circumstances of the parties require the dispute to be resolved as a matter of urgency; (e) any other matter that the Chief of the Defence Force considers relevant. Direction to attend conference (3) The Chief of the Defence Force may, by written notice given to a person, require the person to attend a compulsory conference. (4) The notice must specify the time and place of the conference, which must not be earlier than 14 days after the day the notice is given. Reimbursement (5) If a person is given a notice under subsection (3), the person is entitled to be paid a reasonable allowance for expenses incurred by the person for transport, meals and accommodation in connection with complying with the notice. Penalty (6) A person who is given a notice under subsection (3) must comply with the notice. (7) A person who contravenes subsection (6) is liable to a civil penalty. Civil penalty: 100 penalty units.