Section 23
Compulsory conferences
of Industrial Relations Act 1960
(1)
The Minister may, where he considers it possible that any trade dispute may be settled by conciliation or further conciliation, direct a person, whether engaged in or connected with the trade dispute or not, to attend at a time and place specified in the direction a conference presided over by the Minister or such person as the Minister directs.
(2)
A direction under this section may be given orally or in writing signed by the Minister.
(3)
Except as otherwise directed by the Minister or presiding person, a conference shall be held in private.
(4)
A person who —
on being directed under subsection (1), fails without lawful excuse to attend a conference; or
on being directed to continue his attendance at a conference by the Minister or presiding person, fails without lawful excuse to do so,shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction by a District Court to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.