Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001

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:

advising the parties of their rights and obligations;

facilitating discussion between the parties;

identifying issues in dispute;

resolving issues in dispute.

In deciding whether to refer parties to a dispute to a compulsory conference, the Chief of the Defence Force may consider the following:

whether a compulsory conference will assist the parties in resolving the dispute;

any other courses of action available to the parties to resolve the dispute;

the steps that have been taken by the parties to try to resolve the dispute;

whether the circumstances of the parties require the dispute to be resolved as a matter of urgency;

any other matter that the Chief of the Defence Force considers relevant.

The Chief of the Defence Force may, by written notice given to a person, require the person to attend a compulsory conference.

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.

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.

A person who is given a notice under subsection (3) must comply with the notice.

A person who contravenes subsection (6) is liable to a civil penalty.