The Australian, Higher Education Supplement.

Wed, 17 August 1994

ACADEMIC SACKING CASE SET TO REOPEN

The case of sacked University of Western Australia
archaeologist Dr David Rindos looks set to be reopened in
the the West Australian Parliament following tabling of a
series of questions by a Labor Opposition MP.

Mr Mark Nevill tabled questions in the Upper House
following his investigation into the dismissal of the
American-born archaeologist.

The questions focus on a series of employment practices and
procedures at UWA, including what they allege is use of
secret files, the prejudging of an academic's standing and
performance, and the use of allegedly false and
non-academic matters during closed proceedings.

The University has moved to have Dr Rindos' case be heard
in camera by the university visitor, rather than before the
State's Industrial Relations Commission where Dr Rindos
lodged an appeal on grounds of unjust dismissal.  A
decision has still to be handed down by the Industrial
Commissioner.

Dr Rindos, now unemployed, has vowed to fight for
reinstatement and has said he would also launch civil
actions against academics and administrators for "any
defamatory or improper action" leading to his dismissal.

In March, Dr Rindos won a precedent-setting defamation suit
against an anthropologist, Mr Gil Hardwick, for comments
made about Dr Rindos and his work on the international
computer network, Internet. 

In an internationally reported case, the WA Supreme Court
awarded $40,000 plus interest in compensatory damages,
holding that Mr Hardwick's comments denigrated an
internationally renowned academic.

In his tabled questions, Mr Nevill asked whether "in
denying tenure to Dr Rindos, the University of Western
Australia considered allegedly false and non-academic
matters in camera," and "is it correct that University
officers stated in writing that, in relation to these
matters, Dr Rindos and his supporters should not be given
an opportunity to appear or be allowed to inspect relevant
documents or reply to assertions?"

He also inquired about administrative procedures followed
by the university.

Mr Nevill asked: "Is the Minister aware that the results of
internal University investigations revealing evidence of
academic and sexual impropriety, earlier reported by Dr
Rindos, were suppressed, and not supplied to the University
Senate?" 

He also queried why "the clear recommendations of two
official University committees regarding the conditions in
archaeology were not fully and openly pursued."

The director of development at UWA, Ms Lesleigh Green, said
last night the university had not seen Mr Nevill's
questions and was awaiting a list from the minister's
office. 

UWA was also awaiting a decision by the State Industrial
Commission on whether it would hear the matter.