The Sunday Times  26 Dec 1993

    FORMER WA UNI DON WINS ACTION


A former University of WA academic, Dr David Rindos, who
was sacked in June, has won the first of a series of
defamation actions against UWA and academics.

Dr Rindos was sacked by Vice-Chancellor Professor Faye Gale
who claimed he had not published enough research papers and
that his teaching was below UWA standards.

She also claimed that he could not get along with UWA
academic Professor Sandra Bowdler, whose department has
been scrapped after two confidential reviews.

Dr Rindos's first action ended last week when he won
judgment in the Supreme Court against a UWA-trained
anthropologist, Mr Gil Hardwick, over statements Dr Rindos
alleged were defamatory.

"This is the first in a number of actions I plan to
commence arising from statements concerning my professional
ability and personal life made by Hardwick and academics
connect with UWA," Dr Rindos said.

He said his reputation had been seriously damaged by
allegations made by Mr Hardwick over a computer mailing
network that was read worldwide by academics.

Lawyers for Dr Rindos, Dwyer Durack, who will make an
application to the court for assessment of damages, will
argue substantial damages should be awarded.

Dr Rindos said yesterday that in a related action, letters
of demand had been sent to several academics this week.

He said they made allegations regarding his behavior which
were untrue and damaging.

"Sadly, these people have given me no choice but to resort
to legal action," Dr Rindos said.

"My morals, personal life, professional standing and
competence have been attacked.

"I am taking legal action against them because my future
and career are at stake

"I intend to see my name cleared no matter how long it
takes."