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blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy17\hr11\min38}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy17\hr11\min38}{\printim\yr2004\mo12\dy19\hr14\min57}{\version2}{\edmins1}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1361}{\nofchars7759} {\*\company }{\nofcharsws9102}{\vern16391}}\margr1152\margb432 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0\dgvshow0 \jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot11237862 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid10570270 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid10570270 4}}}{\cs16\insrsid10570270 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid10570270 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\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\pararsid11237862 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par AT SUVA \par JUDICIAL REVIEW \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862\charrsid11237862 JUDICIAL REVIEW NO.: HBJ00}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 33 OF 2003 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 BETWEEN: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862\charrsid11237862 STATE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Plaintiff \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 AND:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862\charrsid11237862 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862\charrsid11237862 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 PUBLIC SERVICE APPEAL BOARD \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 First Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 RISHI RAM \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Second Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 MINISTRY OF FINANCE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Interested Party \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Ex-parte:}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862\charrsid11237862 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 VIJAY KUMAR \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Applicant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par Counsel:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862\charrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Mr. J. Bisa \endash for the Plaintiff \par Mr. R. Singh \endash for Respondents \par \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862\charrsid11237862 Hearing: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 8, 15, 27 July, 2004 \par Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862\charrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 22nd December, 2004 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Background: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par Four vacancies for the post of Senior Auditors in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning were advertised in the Fiji Public Service Official Circular on the 15th of July 2002.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par \par The applicant applied but was not considered.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He appealed against two of the provisional promotees to the Public Service Appeal Board (\'93The Board\'94).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 The appea l against Kusum Lata Chand was abandoned as she migrated.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 The second appeal against Rishi Ram is the subject of these proceedings. \par \par The Public Service Appeal Board in a decision of the 27th of August, 2003 dismissed the appeal succinctly stating its grounds as: \par \par }\pard\plain \s17\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11237862 \i\f171\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i0\f0\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \'93 The reason is that you do not meet the minimum qualification requirement for the post\'94. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par This application for judicial review permitted by order of this Honourable Court of the 25th of September 2003 followed shortly thereafter. \par \par The notice of motion for judicial review is framed against: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \'93 The decision of the Public Service Appeal Board dated the 27th of August 2003 disallowing the appeal of the applicant against the provisional promotion of Rishi Ram for the post of Senior Auditor in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning\'94. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par The applicant seeks that the Appeal Board\rquote s decision be quashed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He asked for a declaration that the Appeal Board\rquote s decision is in excess of its jurisdiction, erroneous, irrational, reasonable (sic) and unfair and null and void.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 It asks for a declaration that the applicant does meet the minimum qualification requirement for the post of Senior Auditor as advertised.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 It asks for an order for mandamus directing a re-hearing of the appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Finally the applicant asks for costs. \par \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 The Application \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 The motion was supported by an affidavit where the applicant focussed his argument on the Board\rquote s alleged misinterpretation of the MQR.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 In short the applicant says despite the Board\rquote s decision he did indeed meet the minimum qualificatio n requirements for the post.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He claims that the narrow and conservative interpretation of the MQR has resulted in an erroneous dismissal of the appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 In the alternate he claims that the decision is improper, irrational, unfair and unreasonable as the Appeal Board misconceived and misdirected itself on th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 e MQR for the accounting cadre.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par \par This was the motion and supporting affidavit as filed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 As part of the process of reply the Board through its Secretary, Josese Bisa, filed an affidavit.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 That affidavit had annexed to it a confidential Staff Board submission from the original pre-appointment selection process.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 This document was sent by the Ministry for the purposes of the Appeal Board hearing but under cover of a memorandum dated the 24th of March, 2003. \par \par That memorandum directed in paragraph 2 \'93that the second enclosure, a Staff Board submission on Mr. Ram\rquote s appointment, was ever only for the Board\rquote s consideration.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 By inference it was confidential and therefore is not to be made available to the appellant\'94. \par \par It was only when the applicant received the affidavit in reply from Mr. Bisa that this \'93confidential\'94 submission was seen by him. \par \par He was annoyed that the document was never brought to his attention at any stage during the appointment or appeal process.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Ac cordingly, he filed a supplementary affidavit annexing parts of that confidential submission critical of him and claims that both the process of appointment selection and the subsequent Appeal Board hearing were tainted by this prejudicial information. \par \par For reasons which I will shortly detail this is an argument which has merit but little effect in these judicial review proceedings.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par \par The applicant despite raising this issue in his supplementary affidavit never sought to bring additional judicial review proceedings challenging the appointment process.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He never amended his motion for judicial review to expand the grounds.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He never sought to amend the motion or file a new motion to add a further ground of bias.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 This substantial omission means that the Court\rquote s powers to judicially review the Appeal Board\rquote s decision have never been properly engaged.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 This failure to amend or expand the proceedings has meant that the respondents and interested party have never had an opportunity to reply to these additional allegations.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 In my mind it would be wrong for the Court to embark on a considerably widened enquiry in the absence of amendment, expansion of grounds or new proceedings properly filed and served on the resp}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 ondents and interested party.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par \par In any event I am satisfied that the Board correctly interpreted the MQR.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 The Board later gave as its only reason for dismissing the appeal the fact that the applicant was not eligible for the position.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 In those circumstances I am also prepared to find that the non-disclosure of this information did not have a material effect on the outcome.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 I find \lquote obiter\rquote that the applicant was not prejudiced by the non-disclosure. \par \par In my view all documents filed on an appeal of any kind are to be served on all parties.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 It was wrong of the Minist ry to attach a confidential memorandum in its appeal papers and then request under covering correspondence that it not be disclosed to the appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 If the Ministry seeks to maintain such confidentiality it cannot use that information to support its case on appeal.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 The filing of a confidential document in court or tribunal proceedings waives any confidentiality. \par \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 The MQR \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 At the heart of the applicant\rquote s complaint is that the Appeal Board wrongly interpreted the minimum qualification requirements for the post.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He believed he was eligible and worthy of appointment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 In his appeal and this judicial review he emphasizes this argument. \par \par I find that the Board correctly interpreted the MQR.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 It noted that the MQR had two limbs. The advertisement for the position rea ds in part: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \'93\'85 .A degree in accounting and membership with the Fiji Institute of Accountants or a recognized professional body.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He or she must have 2-3 years experience as an auditor and has managed the conduct of audits in this period.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 OR Qualifications r equired for appointment as an Auditor or Accounts Officer and at least 2-3 years service in that grade or equivalent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Consistently good reports and assessed potential and ability to progress beyond Senior Auditor level\'94. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par The Board found that both candidates had not obtained a degree or diploma and so did not qualify under the first limb.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 However, the Board noted that the qualification requirement for appointment as an Accounts Officer was: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \'93A diploma or degree an accounting or business accounting and or n ot less than one third of the required passes towards diploma or degree in business accounting.\'94 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par In this regard Mr. Ram, the promotee interested party had completed 9 out of 10 units towards his Diploma in Accounting.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He had served 2 to 3 years as an Accounts Officer.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He had consistently good ACR reports.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He therefore qualified on the second limb.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 In contrast the applicant did not technically meet these standards.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He had no qualifications.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He had less favourable ACR results.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 He had similar experience. \par \par I find there was no intra vires error of law as the interpretation of the MQR provisions by the Board was correct.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 For the same simple reasoning I find that there was no ultra vires error of law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 I find that the Board did adopt and observe proper procedure. I find the Board did not exceed its jurisdiction when making the decision. \par \par I further find that the decision is unremarkable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 The fact that it is succinct is to be commended not deprecated.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 The Board was clearly satisfied that the applicant did not meet the minimum qualification requirements and was not therefore eligible for the position.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 For that reason I find the decision of the first respondent to be within its jurisdiction, correct, rational, reasonable, fair and valid. \par \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Secretariat Submission \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Although not a strong part of the applicant\rquote s case some criticism was made of the Appeal Board Secretariat\rquote s preparing submissions for the Board summarizing the cases of the applicant, respondent and interested party.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 It should be clearly understood that the Court would support the preparation of such submissions for the Board\rquote s consideration.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 In my view the submission is couched in neutral terms, adequately summarizes the available information and specifically leaves the appeal decision to the Board.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 These summaries merely aid the Board in its decision making process.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 I have no doubt that without such excellent administrative support the Appeal Board would find it an almost impossible task to mar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 shal and structure information.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Conclusion and Orders \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 The application for judicial review is dismissed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11237862 }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Costs are to be certified and if necessary taxed by the Deputy Registrar. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 Gerard Winter \par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 JUDGE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11237862 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10181604\charrsid11237862 \par At Suva \par 22nd December, 2004 \par }}