44Conduct of compulsory conciliation conference

44 Conduct of compulsory conciliation conference

(1)  The conciliator may conduct a compulsory conciliation conference in the absence of any person invited to attend, or required by notice under section 43(6) to attend, if the conciliator considers that it is appropriate in the circumstances to do so.

(2)  In conducting a compulsory conciliation conference, the conciliator must ensure that –

(a) all persons attending the conference understand that the purpose of the conference is to –

(i) discuss the issues concerning, and the reasons for, the student's absenteeism; and

(ii) find possible solutions for the student's absenteeism; and

(iii) make recommendations to the Registrar about those solutions and the manner of their implementation; and

(b) all persons attending the conference understand its nature and consequences; and

(c) the conference is conducted in a non-adversarial manner for the purposes of establishing the reasons for the student's absenteeism and exploring and determining solutions to the absenteeism.

(3)  In conducting a compulsory conciliation conference, the conciliator is to comply with this Act, the Ministerial instructions and the regulations.

(4)  With the permission of the conciliator, a person may attend a compulsory conciliation conference for the purpose of providing expert advice or information on matters relevant to the conference.

(5)  If the conciliator considers that a person attending the compulsory conciliation conference is deliberately attempting to disrupt the conference, the conciliator may –

(a) require that person to leave the conference; and

(b) if the person refuses to leave, take such steps as are necessary to remove the person from the conference.

(6)  If the conciliator considers it appropriate, the conciliator may adjourn a compulsory conciliation conference from time to time and from place to place.

(7)  If, at any time during the conduct of a compulsory conciliation conference, the conciliator considers that the conference will not result in any possible solution to the school student's absenteeism, the conciliator may bring the conference to an end.