The Sunday Times (Perth), 21 June 1992

SPARKS FLY IN UWA SPLIT

    A row between postgraduates and senior academics in the
University of WA's archaeology department may be taken to
higher authorities outside campus.

    The year-long row has split the department.

    The issue re-emerged at UWA's latest academic council
meeting.

    Head of agriculture and science, Dr Mike Partis, said
dealings outside the university were possible.

    The minutes do not go into detail about the row -- it
is being kept under wraps by authorities.

    The Sunday Times can not release details for legal
reasons.

    Two reports dealing with interpersonal relationships at
the department were given to Vice-Chancellor Professor Faye
Gale.

    Professor Gale said: "There were unconfirmed reports of
relationships within the department which were damaging its
objectivity."

    One academic now teaches six postgraduates in the
geography department and several others are to be moved to
anthropology.

    Dr Partis put a ban on more postgraduates.

    "Many aspects are extremely sensitive and had to be
dealt with accordingly," he said.

    "There has been a thorough review.  Matters arising
from the report have been reported appropriately to the
Senate."