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{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI (AT SUVA)}{\author Amelia Rasovo}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2004\mo8\dy30\hr14\min51}{\revtim\yr2004\mo8\dy31\hr9\min8}{\version3}{\edmins1}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords907}{\nofchars5170}{\*\company Judicial Department}
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{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain 
\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634\charrsid2374634 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 (AT SUVA)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 JUDICIAL REVIEW NO. HBJ 2 OF 2001S
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 Re: LUISA KAMENIO
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 Applicant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par Ms. G. Phillips for the Applicant
\par Y. Singh and J. Raikadroka for the Respondent
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par This application for leave to move for judicial review proceeds by consent under the expedited provisions of RHC Order 53 r 3 (9).
\par 
\par I am indebted to Ms. Phillips for so clearly and concisely setting out the background facts on page 2 of her written submission filed on 31 July.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 I quote:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 \'93
The applicant is a secondary school teacher, with over 20 years teaching experience.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 She teaches at St. Joseph\rquote s.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 Her substantive post is as Head of Department (Social Science) \endash  ED5 Grade.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 She was appointed to the post and grade on 22 January 1996.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 The post of Assistant Principal was advertised on 15 March 1999.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 The applicant applied.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 Pending processing of the 99 newly established Assistant Principal posts, the Ministry of Education advised the Principal of St. Joseph\rquote 
s to forward an appropriate recommendation for acting in the post with effect from 1 June 1999.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 The applicant was nominated.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 She was promoted to act as Assistant Principal at St. Joseph\rquote s on 1 July 1999.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 On 3 April 2000 the acting appointment was extended to 1 December 2000.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
Her nomination to act in the post and her subsequent application were fully supported and encouraged by the school management.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
The letters of support and recommendations contained in the supporting affidavit clearly evidences that the Assistant Principals specific duties, role and responsibilities, in a school having the special religious character of St. Joseph\rquote 
s would require the successful candidate be attuned and be competent to contribute to the Catholic character of the school.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
Suffice it to say that the applicant\rquote s experience in the Catholic Education System was considered an integral work-related qualification for a school having the special religious character of St. Joseph\rquote s.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
At a meeting held on 25 February 2000, the then Acting Permanent Secretary for Education, decided to provisionally appoint on promotion Ana Seruitanoa as the Assistant Principal of St. Joseph\rquote s.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634 
 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 Mrs. Seruitanoa also teaches at St. Joseph\rquote s.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
She is head of the Home Economics Department.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 Of the two teachers at the school, the applicant\rquote s candidature 
for the post was fully endorsed and strongly recommended by the Principal and Management of St. Joseph\rquote s.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 The applicant appealed this decision to the PSAB.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 Her appeal was supported by the Principal and Management of St. Joseph\rquote s.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 The appeal was heard on 7 December 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 The applicant was advised by letter dated 15 December 2000 that having considered her appeal the PSAB had decided to disallow it \'93
the reason being that she did not meet the Minimum Qualification Requirement (\'93MQR\'94) for the position.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 This is the decision challenged.\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par Vacancies in the Civil Service are advertised in the Public Service Official Circular as well as in national newspapers.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
A copy of the relevant Official Circular is Appendix I to Exhibit MC 12 to the affidavit of Mouga Cakau filed on 15 February 2001.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
The qualifications for the post include \'93at least 4 years competent service with a superior assessment in the ED 5 or 3 years in ED 4 or equivalent based upon standard rating scale.\'94
\par 
\par Appendix II to Exhibit MC 12 is a detailed list of 31 applicants for the post prepared by the Ministry of Education.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
The first 18 are described as qualified applicants however the remainder including the Applicant, number 27, are described as unqualified.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 In the case of the Applicant she was stated to lack four years service in ED 5 grade.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
That the Applicant did indeed not meet the Minimum Qualification Requirement (MQR) for the position at the time it was advertised and at the time at which she applied for it is not disputed.
\par 
\par On 4 January 2000 the Ministry of Education Staff Board met to consider whom substantively to appoint to the vacancy.
\par 
\par A copy of the proceedings of the Board is set out at pages 8 to 20 of Appendix II to MC 12.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
As will be seen from page 9 the Applicant, No. 9 in the list, was eliminated since she was not qualified for appointment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
After what was clearly a scrupulously fair selection procedure the Board recommended that Mrs. Ana Seruitanoa be appointed and that recommendation was accepted by the Acting Permanent Secretary on 25 February 2000 (page 20).
\par 
\par On 10 March 2000 the Applicant appealed to the Public Service Appeal Board against Mrs. Seruitanoa\rquote s appointment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
A copy of her letter of appeal is Appendix IV to Exhibit MC 12.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 On 15 December 2000 the PSAB replied.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 A copy of the reply is Exhibit MC 7.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 The reply reads:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 \'93The Appeal Board has considered your appeal and decided to disallow it.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 The reason is you do not meet the Minimum Qualification Requirement (MQR) for the position.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par The second sentence of this reply is not entirely correct.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 The word \'93do\'94 should have been \'93did\'94.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
The true situation was that at the time the Applicant applied for the position she did not meet the MQR but that she did eventually meet the MQR on 22 January 2000 (see paragraph 15 (iv) of the Applicant\rquote 
s supporting affidavit filed on 22 January 2001).
\par 
\par While it cannot be doubted that had she been able to meet the MQR the Applicant would have been a very strong candidate for appointment it is clear to me that the MQR at the time of applica
tion is a threshold requirement and that achievement of the MQR at some subsequent time, in this case about 2 weeks after the staff board had met, cannot operate retrospectively so as to annul the original pre-selection process.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 To hold otherwise would simply lead to chaos.
\par 
\par The Applicant, though otherwise highly qualified did not meet the threshold requirement for the position at the time she applied for it.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 She was not a person to whom the advertisement, which I view as a form of invitation to treat, was addressed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 She was therefore not a candidate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
The decision not to offer her the appointment and the decision not to allow her appeal cannot be impugned.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2374634  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
The application for leave fails and is dismissed.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 M.D. Scott
\par Judge
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2374634 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid744465\charrsid2374634 
\par 9 August 2002
\par }}