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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11081332\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid1774713 THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 of Berkely Crescent, Suva}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid15955860 ST}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  RESPONDENT}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1774713 AND}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3242789 :}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid1774713 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1774713 THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  of Level

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 7, Suvavou House,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  Victoria}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860  Parade,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  Suva}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid15955860 ND}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  RESPONDENT}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
\par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts11\trrh-422\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone 
\clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1934\clshdrawnil \cellx5526\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2678\clshdrawnil \cellx8204
\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 Counsel for the 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid15955860 st}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Applicant\cell : Mr Raikadroka\cell }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 : Raikadroka Law}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 \trowd \irow0\irowband0
\ts11\trrh-422\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb
\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1934\clshdrawnil \cellx5526\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2678\clshdrawnil \cellx8204\row }\pard 
\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 Counsel for the 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid15955860 nd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Applicant\cell . Mr H Nagin\cell : Sherani\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 \trowd \irow1\irowband1\ts11\trrh-422\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1934\clshdrawnil \cellx5526\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb
\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2678\clshdrawnil \cellx8204\row }\trowd \irow2\irowband2\ts11\trrh-389\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr
\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1934\clshdrawnil \cellx5526\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone 
\clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2678\clshdrawnil \cellx8204\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1774713 Counsel for the 1}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1774713 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860  and 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid15955860 nd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 \cell : Ms Rakuita)\cell : Attorney-General's\cell }\pard 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 \trowd \irow2\irowband2\ts11\trrh-389\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone 
\clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1934\clshdrawnil \cellx5526
\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2678\clshdrawnil \cellx8204\row }\trowd \irow3\irowband3\ts11\trrh-528\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt
\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1934\clshdrawnil 
\cellx5526\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2678\clshdrawnil \cellx8204\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid11077360 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Respondents\cell : Ms N Karan)\cell Chambers\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 \trowd \irow3\irowband3\ts11\trrh-528\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1934\clshdrawnil \cellx5526\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb
\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2678\clshdrawnil \cellx8204\row }\trowd \irow4\irowband4\ts11\trrh-619\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr
\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4612\clshdrawnil \cellx8204\pard 
\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Date of Judgment\cell : 20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1774713 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  December 2007\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
\trowd \irow4\irowband4\ts11\trrh-619\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone 
\clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4612\clshdrawnil \cellx8204\row }\trowd \irow5\irowband5\lastrow \ts11\trrh-381\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl
\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1934\clshdrawnil \cellx5526\clvertalc
\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2678\clshdrawnil \cellx8204\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid11077360 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Time of Judgment\cell : 11.00a.m.\cell \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 \trowd \irow5\irowband5\lastrow \ts11\trrh-381\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3 \clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth3592\clshdrawnil \cellx3592\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth1934\clshdrawnil \cellx5526\clvertalc\clbrdrt\brdrnone \clbrdrl\brdrnone \clbrdrb
\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrnone \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth2678\clshdrawnil \cellx8204\row }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1774713 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1774713 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11077360 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
This is a claim for judicial review by the Applicants against the decision of the Respondents of 9 March 2007 purporting to lower the compulsory retirement age of civ}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1774713 il servants from 60 to 55 years. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The First Applicant is a trade union duly registered unde
r the Trade Union Act ("the Act") representing principally Fijian teachers from all teaching institutions of approximately four thousand membership, majority of whom are public officers appointed to teach under the provisions of the Education Act (Cap. 26
7
). The Second Applicant is also a trade union also registered under the Act, and is the largest of all the trade unions of civil servants. The First Respondent is the employer of civil servants on behalf of the Government. The Second Respondent is sued in
 a representative capacity in accordance with the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 Crown Proceedings Act (Cap. 24).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid1774713 Backg}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1774713 round
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 There are around twenty five to thirty five thousand employees of the Fiji Government. The exact number has not properly be
en verified. These include both established staff and wage earners. Insofar as the established staff or public officers are concerned, their terms and conditions of employment are primarily g}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 
overned by the General Orders (\'93G.O\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ) which, upon it being registered with the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations on 25 July, 1973, became}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1774713 legally the Master Coll}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
ective Agreement ("MCA") between the employees and the Pub}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 lic Service Commission ("PSC") G}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1774713 .O}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 .102 states that General Orde
rs "prescribe the terms and conditions of services of Public Officers and certain procedures to be followed dealing with staffing and other matters in the Publi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 c Service." It adds that the G.O}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  should be read with other relevant l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 aws, including the Constitution,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  Public Service Regulations}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860  and PSC Delegation of Powers. G}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 
.O105 states that the G.O}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  may be supplemented or amended from time to time.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The vast majority of government employees belong to a trade union or another reflecting sectoral interests and comm
onality of purpose. The Fiji Public Service Association ("FPSA") represents mostly civil servants employed in government business. Fiji Nurs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 es Association (\'93FNA\'94}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ) represents 1419 civil servants. The Fiji Teachers Union ("FTU") is representative union of ma
inly teachers of Indian ethnic origin. These three Unions belong to the Confederation of Public Sector Unions ("CPSU"), an umbrella union organisation. Then there is the second umbrella organisation known simply as t}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 he Fiji Public Sector Unions (\'93FPSU\'94), made up of the Fijian Teachers A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
ssociation ("FTA") representing the majority of ethnic Fijians in that profession; the Viti National Union of Taukei Workers ("VNUTU"), the counterpart of FPSA; and the Public Employees Union ("PEU") the re}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 presentative of "unestablished"}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  sector of government workers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The compulsory retirement from government services is set out under 6.0223 which in turn is al}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 igned to the Pension Act 1993. I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 t is agreed by all the parties that the compulsory retirement age, before 9 March 2007
, was 60, by virtue of the Public Service (General) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (LN55 of 2001). It is also agreed that the Commission purported to change the compulsory retirement age to 55 in its Public Serv}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 ice (General) (Retirement Age -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  Amendment) Regulations 2007 (LN 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 6/}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 2007). In addition the Regulation sets out what it terms a "transitional" provision }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 which is intended to "phase-in"}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 , its implementation with minimum disruption to the public service. Regulation 3 states:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (a) an officer who will turn 6
0 years from the commencement of these Regulations to 31 December 2007 shall retire on the date he or she attains 60 years of age;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
(b) an officer who will turn 58 or 59 years on or before 31 December 2007 shall retire on 31 December 2007;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (c) an officer who will turn 55, 56, or 57 years on or before 31 December 2007 }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 shall retire on 31 December 200}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 8; and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (d) these Regulations shall come into forc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 
e and effect from }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10683402 1 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860 January 2009.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15955860\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 On 15 March 2007, the first Applicant filed its application of claim. It wa
s later joined by the second Applicant. The issue of compulsory retirement comprised one in a bucket of issues that the first Applicant had, on 7 March, 2007, referred to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, as a trade dispute under sectio}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1204117 n 3 of the Trade Dispute Act. It}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 subsequently withdrew it in lieu of the judicial review application. At the hearing of leave on 7 August, the Court in Extempore Decision granted leave to the Applicants and a stay.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1204117 Reliefs Sought
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3886216 First bo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 th the Applicants seek the Order of Certiorari to remove the Commission's decision of 9 March into this Court and}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3886216  the said decision be quashed. I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 n addition, the first Applicant sought the following:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (b) }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid3886216 A DECLARATION}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  that the Respondents' did not have th
e legitimate and/or lawful authority to reduce the compulsory retirement age via the promulgation of the Public Service (General) (Retirement Age Amendment) Regulations 2007 which amended regulation 14 (1) of the Public Service (General) Regulations 1999 
and thus such Regulation is void ab initio;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3886216 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid3886216 A DECLARATION}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  that the Respondents' policy of reducing the compulsory retirement age from 60 to 55 years for both}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3886216  civil servants and government w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 age earn}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3886216 ers is ultra vir}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 es the provisions of section 38 (2) of the Constitution;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (d) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid3886216 A DECLARATION}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 that the Respondents' policy of reducing the compulsory retirement age from 60 to 55 years for both civil servants and government wage earners without giving any reasons for doing so is not reasonable and justifiable in
 a free and democratic society like the Republic of the Fiji Islands.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (e) For an }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid3886216 
ORDER FOR MANDAMUS}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  directing the Respondents to reinstate the compulsory retirement age that stood at 60 years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3886216 \'94}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 
\par The second Applicant on the other hand sought the following two declarations:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (b) }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid3886216 A DECLARATION}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 (in any event) that the Public Service Commission had abused its discretion and/or acted arbitrary and/or unreasonably and/or acted in breach of the Second Ap
plicant's legitimate expectations and/or exceeded its jurisdiction and/or made errors of law in purporting to reduce the retirement age from 60 to 55.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3886216 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid3886216 A DECLARATION}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  (in any event) that the Public Service }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 
Commission's decision dated 9}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid7491357 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357  March 200}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 7 is u
nlawful, invalid, void and of no effect.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 \'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10228918 Grounds for Relief
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 For the First Applicant, it relied on the following:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (a) C}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10228918 abinet vide Cabinet Decision 62/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
2007 resulting in the promulgation of the Public Service (General) Retirement Age Amendment) Regulations 2007 did not have the lawful authorit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10228918 y to make such a decision that l}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ed to the Regulation being made as it was not constituted according to the Constitution (Amendment) Act 1997;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
(b) The Respondents have misdirected themselves and erred in law when reducing the compulsory retirement age from 60 to 55 years for both civil servants and government wage earners as such policy is ultra vires the provisions of section 38 (2) of the }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10228918 Constitution (Amendment) Act 1997}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
(c) The Applicants had a legitimate expectation of being consulted on the reduction of the compulsory retirement age as it would affect t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10228918 he rights and livelihood of its}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  members;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (d) T}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10228918 he Respondents' have failed and/}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 or neglected to disclose or provide any }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10228918 reasons vide PSC Circular No. 8/}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 2007 as to why they have decided to reduce the compulsory retirement age from 60 to 55 years and as such the policy is not only unju}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 
stified but also unreasonable.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
\par The Second Applicant's grounds may be summarised as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 (i) that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
at the Public Service Commission had abused its discretion and had acted unreasonably and/or arbitrarily by taking into consideration irrelevant matters while failing to take into consideration relevant matters;}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
(ii) that the Public Service Commission had acted illegally acting in breach of the G.O, the Regulations, the Act and the Constitution; and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (iii) that the Public Service Commission had acted contrary to the legitimate expectat
ions of the Second Applicant, in not following the procedures under the Collective Agreement.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The Respondents' Counsel raised initial objection to the Applicants introducing new grounds after leav
e had been obtained. However leave had been given to the Applicants at the hearing of 7 August, 2007 to amend their Statements under Order 53 rule 3 (2).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10228918 Court's Consideration
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 1 will deal with individual grounds raised by each of the Applicants, and where they coincide, together.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid10228918 1. }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10228918 Legal Authority o}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid10228918 f}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10228918\charrsid10228918  C}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10228918 abinet
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The First Applicant claims that the Respondents did not have the lawful authority to lower the compulsory retirement age to 55, since the Cabinet was not constituted in accord
ance with the Constitution (Amendment) Act 1997, specifically a democratically elected multi-party Cabinet under section 99 of the Constitution. The crux of the argument is that the decision is an executive one}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 which can only be made by the Minister albeit
 through Cabinet, and given that the Minister and/or Cabinet were appointed and exist outside the Constitution, they are not lawful appointment and decision}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10228918 s emanating there from are inval}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 id. Much reliance is placed by Counsel on the Privy Council decision in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7491357 
The Bribe Commissioner v. Pedrick Ranasinghe }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10228918 [1954] UKPC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10228918\charrsid10228918  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10228918 1}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7491357 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 The respondent in that case was prosecuted for a bribery offence before the Bribery Tribunal. He was convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment and a fine. On appeal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10228918  to the Supreme Cour
t of Ceylon,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 the Court declared the conviction and orders made against him null and inoperative on the ground that the persons composing the Tribunal which tried him were not lawfully appointed to the Tribunal. The Privy Council, on appeal by the Commissio
ner, agreed. The First Appellant also referred to the Australian High Court decision in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10228918 Annetts & Or v. MacCann & Or}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7491357  [1999] }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10228918 CLR Vol. 170 595}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 for the proposition that the decision to reduce the compulsory retirement age of public servants, requires and pres
upposes the exercise of a power created by statute and conferred on an authority by statute. Without or lacking such power; Counsel argued, the Respondents may not lawfully lower in any way, the compulsory retirement age.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Counsel for the Respondents submit that the decision to lower the compulsory retirement age as manifested under the Public Service (General) (Retirement Age - Amendment) Regulations }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 2007, is in exercise of the PSC\rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 s powers to make Regulations under Section 15 (1) of the Public Service Act
 1999. There is no exercise of executive function nor that of statutory authority involved. The powers exercised here is Regulation-making power that is lawfully bestowed in the Commission. Secondly, the issue of unconstitutionality or illegality of the C
abinet is moot as the decision is not made by it, even although it approved it (Ca}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14119651 binet Decision No. 62/200}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 7).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The primary source of the regulation-making powers of the Commission is in fact found under section 173 of the Constitution. The relevant parts of the section, are s}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14119651 ub-sections (1), (4), (5) and (6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ) and provide as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 \'931}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 73 (1) A c}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14119651 ommission may by regulation mak}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 e provisions for regulating and facilitating the performances of its functions.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (2) ........}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (3)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ........}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
(4) in the performance of its functions or the exercise of its powers, a commission is not subject to the direction and control of any other person or authority, except as otherwise provided by this Constitution.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 (5) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Nothing in sub-section (4) limits the 
responsibility of the Government for the structure of the public service or the Fiji Police Force, nor the Government's general policy responsibility for the management of the public service or the Fiji Police Force.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (6) In addition to the functions confe
rred upon it by or under this Constitution, a commission has such powers and other functi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357 ons (if any) as are prescribed.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid1972513 
\par \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1972513 Commission" under Secti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid1972513 on 194 (1) of the Constitution \'93}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1972513 means a commission established by, or constituted in exi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7491357\charrsid1972513 stence under this Constitution.\'94}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1972513  The Public Service Commission existence is recognised under section 142 (b) of the Constitution.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
\par The powers given by the Constitution to the Public Service Commission to make regulations is set out under s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1972513 ection 15 (1) of the 199}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 9 Act. It is the Public Service Commission, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12718479 whose exercise of regulator-mak}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ing powers, resulted in the gazetting of the Public Servi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845 ce (General) (Retirement Age - }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Amendment) Regulations 2007. This being so, then it stands to reason that the decision
 to lower the retirement age properly belongs to the Commission. The approval or endorsement of Cabinet or the Interim Prime Minister does not deny this legal position. Section 15 (1) of the Act merely states that the C}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845 ommission may make regulations \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 with the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845 approval of the Prime Minister.
\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  It is not necessary for the Prime Minister to put his signature of approval on the Regulations as shown in the Public Service Regulations 1999 (LN 48}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8603806 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5381915 999). It is enough that the pre}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
amble say that the approval had been obtained. The Court therefore agrees with Counsel for the Respondents that the lowering of compulsory retiring age by the 2007 Regulation is the exercise of powers by the Commission prescr}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5381915 ibed to it by the Constitution }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 and the 1999 Act.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The First Applicant referred to }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid199321 The}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13268845 Bri}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13268845 bery Commissioner v. Ranasinghe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (supra) as support for the proposition that the decision of 9 March; 2007 was void and in any case unlawful having been made by Cabinet whose existence is unconstitut
ional. This Court has already found that the decision in question was made by the Commission pursuant to its powers under section 15 (1) of the Act, not the Cabinet. But even if it were true that the decision was made by Cabinet and/or the Interim Ministe
r responsible, the question of legality or otherwise of the present interim regime is already an issue before the Court in another}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid199321  case in any event }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid199321\charrsid199321 The Bribery}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid199321  Commission}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid199321  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845 case proceeded by way of Writ }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 and arguments have not been fully canvassed before the 
Court on whether judicial review should be the proper form of redress seeking an order for certiorari in situation of allegation of usurpation of lawful authority.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 For the reasons above the Court finds that the First Applicant's ground is without merit and must fail.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid199321\charrsid15356922 2}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid199321\charrsid9794566 . }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid9794566 I}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid199321\charrsid9794566 s Lowering }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid9794566 of Compulsory Retirement Age Incompatible with Section 38 of the Constitution}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Both Applicants argue that the 9 March 2007 decision lowering the compulsory retireme
nt age of government employees is incompatible with Chapter 4 of the Constitution (Bill of Rights) and specifically section 38 on equality before the law. Sections 38 (2) and (3) state that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid14502646 \'93}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid14502646 
(2) A person must not be unfairly discriminated against, directly or indirectly, on the ground of his or her:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid14502646 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid14502646 
(a) actual or supposed characteristics or circumstances including race, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, birth, primary language, economic states, age or disability; or
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid14502646 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid14502646 (b) opinions or beliefs, exc
ept to the extent that those opinions or beliefs involve harm to others or the diminution of the rights or freedoms of others;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid14502646 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid14502646 or on other ground prohibited by this Constitution.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid14502646 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid14502646 (3) }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid14502646 
Accordingly, neither a law nor an administrative action taken under a law may directly or indirectly impose a disability or restriction on any person on a prohibited ground.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The submission by the Applicants is that the members of their trade unions are being discriminated against and that their rights protected under section
 38 above, have been breached They referred especially to the recent High Court judgment of Coventry J i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845 n }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13268845 
Proceedings Commissioner. Fiji}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13268845  Human Rights Commission v. Suva}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845  City}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13268845  Council}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5601740  HBC No. 3/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 2004, in which His Lordship}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
found that the provisions of the Collective Agreement between the Council and its employees, giving the Council the discretion to compulsory retire any employee on attaining the age of 55, was discriminatory and therefore null and void.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Counsel concede that section 38 (7) of the Constitution, provide exceptions to sub-sections (1), (2) and (3). In particular, subsection (7) (b) states that:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033 \'93}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13254033 
(7) A law is not inconsistent with subsections (1), (2) or (3)
\par on the ground that it:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033 (a) \'85}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13254033 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13254033 (b) Imposes retirement age on a person who is the holder of a public office
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033 (c) \'85
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033 (d) \'85
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13254033 (e)}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033  \'85}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13254033 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13254033 But only to the extent that the law is reasonable and justifiable in}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid13254033  a free and democratic society.\'94}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13254033 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 It is accepted that under the interpretation provisions of 
the Constitution (Section 194 (1)), all members of both Applicant trade unions are holders of public office either as "an office in a state service" or "an office or a member of, a statutory authority." However, for the authorities to }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2259323 impose retirement age under sub-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
section (b) it must satisfy the threshold requirement that the imposition is "reasonable and justifiable in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845  a free and democratic society.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The Respondent had at the outset submitted that section 38 remedy is only available to an individual, not associations or groups as in the case of the Appli}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845 cants in this instance. As such they have no interest at all}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  or no sufficient interest to support their application.
\par 
\par Counsel argued that section 38 fails under Chapter 4 which deals specifically with individual rights of ordinary citizens. This argument is, according to Counsel, reinforced by the wordings of se}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5571997 
ction 38 itself which speak of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 a person" who is discriminated against on the ground of "his" or `her" protected rights. Similarly section 41, th
e enforcement provision, allows for "a person" who considers "his" or "hers" rights has been or likely to be contravened, "then that person may apply to the High Court for redress". As for the definition of "person" as including plural and a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845 ssociation or body of persons co}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
rporate or unincorporated in section 194 (1), the Respondents argue that sections 38 and 41 "person" is an exception and falls into the "unless the contrary intention appears" category of the definition provision. There is clearly, in the 
Respondent's view, the purpose and as well as the legislative intention of Chapter 4 including section 38, that they may only be invoked by the individual. This is especially so when the proposition is considered alongside the wordings of the enforcement 
p
rovisions in section 41 where Respondents argue, there clearly is shown that while allegation of breach or imminent breach of rights are limited to individuals, exception is made allowing another person action of redress where the person wronged is detain
ed. This, according to the Respondent, is the only exception to the scheme of individual or personal actions under Chapter 4.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The Respondents argued further that even if the Applicants could bring an action on behalf of their members under Section 38, the 
enforcement provision (section 41) may only be successfully raised, in such a situation, if it is expressly permitted in a legislation. Thus under section 36 of Fiji's}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15811926  Human Rights Commission Act 199}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 9 the Proceedings Commissioner may bring section 41 proce
edings on behalf of a class of persons. In this instance, the Applicants may only bring any action on infringement of section 38 rights of their members if they are made pursuant to section 41 proceedings through the Proceedings Commissioner for the Human
 Rights Commission.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid2966791 This Court is not persuaded by the Respondent's argument that section 38 and indeed section 41 of the Constitution should be strictly construed. Counsel fo}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid2966791 r the Respondent }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid2966791 readily}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2966791  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid2966791 concede that in some situations such as in compulsory ac
quisition of the Appellants' property they may bring an action for redress under Section 41. The Appellants are two organisations representing the majority of public servants of Fiji. In addition, they are body corporates and possess legal personalities o
f
 their own. They can sue or be sued in their own rights or on behalf of their members. Since they can sue on behalf of their individual members to assert or enforce their rights as workers so must it follow, I believe, they can sue to assert the individua
l
 rights of their members as guaranteed under the Constitution. While the Human Rights Commission provides a readily available vehicle for enforcement of individual rights, it is not the only one. The "person" who may be aggrieved for breaches of individua
l
 rights under the Bill of Rights and who may bring proceedings under section 41 should be given its most liberal interpretation to include a membership of persons as in an association of a trade union. In enacting the Bill of Rights in the Constitution, t
h
e Fiji Parliament intended that rights and freedoms of its citizens should be enjoyed fully without fetter. To adopt a deferential interpretation would undermine the ultimate objective of the guarantee and protection of individual liberties. In my view th
erefore, the restriction placed on sections 38 and 41 by the Respondents is as onerous requirement that was never intended b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid2966791 y the legislature. It is a well - }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid2966791 established convention and practice that constitutionally guaranteed rights should be given a broad and liberal interpretation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13268845\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
In this case the Applicants have relied on section 38 to attack the decision by the Respondents by way of judicial review. The fact that they have relied on section 38 does not mean that they can only proceed by way of constit
utional redress procedure available under section 41. They are, in my view, perfectl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5730420 y entitled to proceed by way of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
judicial review and at the same time rely on alleged breaches of individual rights under Chapter 4. The Courts have already established}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601  since }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid7960601 R v. Monopolies and Merg}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 ers Commission}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid7960601  exo. Elders 1XL Ltd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601  [1987] 1W}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
LR 1235, that exercises of statutory or other public law power that involves a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 decision or determination a
ffecting an individual are subject of judicial review. Importantly, the Courts conclude that "individual" includes legal individual such as a company or association.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601 
\par 
\par I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 n the alternative}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14676 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 the Respondents argue that even if the Court found that the Applicants can bring an action o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14676 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 behalf of its members, section 38 (7) allows the Respondents exceptions}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14676 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 including imposition of retirement age "to the extent that the law is reasonable and justifiable in a free and democratic society". The burden is on the Respo
ndents to show that the decision to lower the retirement age to 55 "is reasonable and justifiable in a free and democratic society." To fully appreciate or understand what is reasonable and justifiable the parameters must first be satisfied that is the ex
istence of "a free and democratic society}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14676 \'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
. It could very well be argued that for the time being the wherewithal to a free and democratic society is not present, in the absence of a democratically elected government. However it is the character of a free an
d democratic society, that is in question and to which the Court must relate to in deciding what is reasonable and justifiable. While the position}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14676  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 the Court finds itself in seems incongruous, it is unavoidable.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 In support of the argument that the decision
 was reasonable and justifiable, the Respondent referred to decisions of Canadian Courts that have examined the concept. Counsel urged that the proper test to apply is to ask whether the policy, resulting in the decision taken, further a substantial objec
t
ive. If so, then is the policy proportional to or rationally connected to that objective. According to the Respondents; the objectives in the lowering of the retirement age were, to reduce operational costs to government and releasing the funds to capital
 
expenditure, to provide employment to many unemployed undergraduates, and at the same time restructure the civil service. As far as the government was concerned, there was no other alternative in securing these objectives, but to lower the mandatory retir
ement age.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
The Court has now had the opportunity to look at the Canadian Courts' Judgments referred to by the Respondents. They have distinguishable characters. Most involve universities or hospitals. They are by and large autonomous and do not form part o
f "government" under their Charter of Rights, and their employees would therefore not be holders of "public office" as defined under Section 38 (7) of our Constitution. The most important factor distinguishing the relevant Canadian cases, is the existence
 already of a collective agreement between the institutions and their employees. These agreements which included the compulsory retirement age, had been negotiated either personally or through}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001659 
 their respective organisations.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  The compulsory retirement age wa
s not a condition imposed on their employees but derived from negotiations and arrangements between the parties. It was the individual and staff member of these institutions that sought to challenge the provision of compulsory retirement age of 65. This i
s an important factor when considering whether compulsory retirement age was reasonable. The Canadian Supreme Court in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 Olive Patricia Dickason v. Governors of Un}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid7960601 iversity of Alberta & Alberta Hum}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 an Rights Commission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001659  [
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 1992] 2 SCR 1103 h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601 eld the view, at para }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9001659 4}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601 6, that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid7960601 \'93}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 
in determining whether the practice of mandatory retirement constitutes reasonable justification for age discrimination the fact that this option was chosen by way of a}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12876510 n}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601  agreement between an employer and the faculty association should be recogni
sed. Members of the faculty association may, even more than same rank and file member of other unions, appreciate the significance and consequences of a mandatory retirement policy for themselves, for the faculty association and for the university. Such a
n agreement should not be lightly disregarded. In this case the university may properly rely on the collective agreement as evidence which }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12876510 t}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 ends to confirm the reasonableness of }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid7960601 the mandatory retirement policy.\'94}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10102989 But even if this Court were to adopt the pre
cedents set by the Canadian Courts, the proper test, to be applied, in the fight of the Respondents' submission is summarised by Dickson CJC in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10102989 R v. Edwards Books & Art Ltd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10102989  (1986) 35 ULR (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2762364 4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid2762364\charrsid2762364 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10102989 ) 1 at p.41:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid10102989 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid10102989 \'93}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid10102989 
Two requirements must be satisfied that a limit is reasonable and demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. First, the legislative objective}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 
 which the limitation is designed to promote must be of sufficient importance to warrant overriding a constitutional right. It must bear on a "pressings and}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2762364  substantial concern." Secondly,}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601  the means chosen to attain those objectives must be proportional or appropriate to the ends. The proportionality requirement in turn, normally, has three aspects: the l
imiting measures must be carefully designed, or rationally connected}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid7960601 , to the objective; they must i}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 
mpair the rights as little as possible; and their effects must not so severely trench on individual or group rights that the legislative objective, albeit important, is nevertheless outweigh}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid7960601 ed by the abridgment of rights.\'94}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601  (emphasis added)
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid7960601 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 In this case, the Respondents "pressing and substantial concern" that they rely upon to justify the curtailment of the employee's rights under section 37, are the reduction
 of operation costs through compulsory redundancy of employees, and the resultant increase in funds for capital expenditure from the savings in salaries and wages of redundant employees through the imposed lowering of retirement age to 55}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid724428 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  In addition, the
 Respondents say that the policy is intended to assist the unemployed especially the undergraduates find employment replacing those retiring}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid724428 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  It was also the opportunity, "to restructure' the public service. The affidavits of the Secretary of the Public Service Commissio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601 
n, Ms Taina Tagica}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid724428 ki}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601 bau, and Agn}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 i }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid724428 D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
eo Singh, the General Secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union ("FTC") are filed by the Respondents to support these policy considerations.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601 It is i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 n this Court's considered opinion, that the policy considerations put forward by the Respondents, do not come anywh}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid724428 ere near meeting the test of a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4528374 \u8243\'3f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
pressing and substantial concern" that may justify the abridgment of the rights of an individual member of either the FTA or FPSA under section 38 (7) of the Constitution}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid724428 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 The Respondents have not demonstrated in any meaningful way, facts or arguments, sufficient to satisfy the Court that any of the grounds advanced are of a substantial and pressing nature to sat
isfy the test for the application of exclusionary provisions under section 38 (7). For example a saving of $79,519,530.00, according to Ms Tagicagibau's affidavit, will be made if the policy is implemented from 1 January 2008 and if no replacement, recrui
t
ment or acting appointment is made. Yet it is obvious from the evidence of all the parties that zero replacement or recruitment is not in the contemplation of the Respondents at all. This is easily proved from the policy intentions to recruit unemployed u
n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12336065 dergraduates and re-employment o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 n needs basis, to fill the vacancies created by the retirees at 55}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12336065 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 Why then should Respondents highlight a savings of $79,519,530.00 knowing fully well that it would never happen, except as the Court sees it, to exaggerate 
the savings. Again, at paragraph 16 of her affidavit of 26 September, 2007, Ms Tagicakibau states "That if posts were filled selectively according to areas of needs, Government would save up to $10,455}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12336065 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 610.00 when this policy takes full effect on 1 January
 2008." Yet, the Respondents have failed in any material way, to produce to this Court evidence in support of the claim. While there is financial hardship all around that needs to be addressed, and Respondents have identified reduction of the total number
 
in the civil service through lowering the compulsory retirement age as a way of creating job opportunities and more funds for capital works, they have failed to satisfy the Court that it is the only alternative available to adhere to its objective. This g
oes to the second limb of the test. In }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 McKinney v. University of Guelp}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid7960601 h }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601 (1990) 76 DLR (4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid7960601 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
) the Supreme Court of Canada referred to the test outlined in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7960601 Edward Brooks}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 (supra) and on the standard to be applied to minimum impairment test stated, per Wilson J at p.618,
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid618841 \'93I}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid618841 
n assessing reasonableness pursuant to this standard two factors remain relevant. (1) the objective, and (2) the availability of alternative means. In Edward Books, it was held that the Court should not interfere with legislative wisdom if the
re are no alternative means of achieving the objective which are clearly better in terms of both minimizing the impairment of the charter rights and meeting the objective. In the context of these appeals it has not been established that clearly better mea
ns are not available. Indeed the appellants have pointed to the mechanism of voluntary retirement coupled with strong incentives to retire as not only viable but an equally effectiv}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid618841 
e way of meeting the objective.\'94}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid618841 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7960601\charrsid618841 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid11820255 From the evidence presented to this Court 
it cannot be said that there are no alternative means available to the parties to achieve the same objective and at the same time cause minimum of impairment to the rights protected under Chapter 4 of our Constitution. To illustrate the point, the Court n
otes that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9589452  in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid11820255  its report of a trade dispute to the Permanent}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 Secretary of Labour of 21 June, 2007}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15353585 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  the Second Respondent stated:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841 \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
We believe that by forcefully retiring public officers prior to their stipulated compulsory retiring age, the Commission is making them prematurely redundant. In the latter case there should be consideration of some form of compensation for past service a
nd also for the period of future service forgone. None of these were off}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841 ered, discussed or agreed upon.\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  (emphasis added}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Both the Respondents and Agni Leo Singh on behalf of FTLI, lay great emphasis on employment of undergraduates, and the need to impleme
nt the new 55 compulsory retirement age, as a way of reducing the unemployed. Mr Singh estimates the number of undergraduates as over 2000 with 800 qualified}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841  teachers amongst them. In M}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 r Singh's submission, many of the government employees that will be affected would have served for at least 34 years and at 55 they are eligible for their FNPF c}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5208689 ontributions which he suggested,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841  \'93}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 they may take this as a lump sum and start a business of their own or receive it}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841  by way of fortnightly pensions\'94}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 . This argument I must say, lacks any merit whatsoever. First, as the Applicants make clea}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5208689 r}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ; not all employees would have served at least 30 years in the service. Not all employees would have accumulated enough FNPF funds at 55 to retire or start their own business or co
me under a suitable pensionable scheme. In any case, the fact that not everyone will }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5208689 b}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
e in the same position, is discriminatory of itself.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 There is also a grave danger of the policy falling foul of the provisions of section 140 of the Constitution that de
als with the recruitment and promotion policy in all the State services. Two of the guiding principles set out at (a) and (b) as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841 \'93}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
(a) government policies should be carried out effectively and efficiently and with due economy;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (b) appointments and promotions shou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841 
ld be on the basis of merit ...\'94}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
At no time have the Respondents made a case that the policy decision was linked to productivity and that the retirement at 55 would ensure increased productivity with the introduction of younger civil serv
ants. The merit in the retention of older and experienced e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2174692 mployees had not been raised no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
r questioned. If indeed this is the case, will not then the Respondents be making appointments into the service that fall outside the guiding principles of section 14
0? This in turn raises the requirement that government policies be carried out effectively and efficiently. The Court agrees with Counsel for the Second Applicant arguing that this objective may be difficult to attain by the replacement of still productiv
e and experienced employees with inexperienced younger members.
\par 
\par The objective of giving employment opportunities to unemployed undergraduates in the place of those employees retired at 55 is tenuous to say the least.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821  It is discriminatory of itself.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  This argument was quickly dismissed in McKinney case (sup}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841 ra). La Forest J said, at p.664:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid618841\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 "As for the objective of reducing youth unemployment, it seems to }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821\charrsid1255838 me that such objective should not be accorded much weight. I}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 
f the values and principles essential to a free and democratic}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821\charrsid1255838  society include, according to }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821\charrsid1255838 O}{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 akes}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 
, "respect for the inherent dignity of the human person" and "commitment to social justice and equality," then the }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821\charrsid1255838 objective of forcibly retiring o}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 lder worker
s in order to make way for younger workers is itself discriminatory since it assumes that the continued employment of some individuals is less important to those individuals, and less value to society }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4656017 at}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838  large, than is the employment of other individuals, solely on the basis of age. "
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821\charrsid3690821 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid9076633 
The respect for the "inherent dignity of the human person" and "commitment to social justice and equality" form part of our own Constitution. They are encoded in the Compact of governing principles under Chapter 2 and the Bil
l of Rights in Chapter 4. For the reasons e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821\charrsid9076633 xplained by La Forest J above, I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid9076633 
 do not find any merit in the Respondents relying on this objective as a ground of its decision.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Finally, the Respondents submit that the policy decision is taken to assist in the 
"re-structuring" of the civil service. Again the Respondents have failed to lay out in details how the lowering of retirement age to 55 will assist in the re-structuring of the civil service, apart from the reduction of the total number in the service. As
 a legislative objective it easily fails the test of it being of sufficient importance to warrant the overriding of a Constitutional right.
\par 
\par It is evident from the Court}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821 \rquote }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 s views expressed above, that the objectives of the policy decision resulting in the Public Se}
{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821 rvice (General) (Retirement Age- }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
Amendment) Regulations 2007 do not meet the threshold requirement of what is reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society. The poli
cy may be said to further a substantial objective of creating employment for the unemployed and at the same time reducing some costs to government but, it is, in the view of this Court, neither proportionate nor rationally connected to the objectives to b
e accomplished.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
In the result, this Court finds that the application of the exception to equality as to age provided for in section 38 (7) (b) of the Constitution, and argued by the Respondents, cannot be sustained. The decision is not one that can b
e said is reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society. That being so, it follows that the decision is in breach of section 38 of the Constitution.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821\charrsid3690821 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821\charrsid5590004 Leg}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5590004 itimate Expectations
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 This ground is raised by both Appellants, and normally falls under the umbrella ground of "procedural i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3690821 
mpropriety" as defined by Lord D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 iplock in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid7157484 Council of Civil Service Unions v Minister of Civil Services}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 (1985) AC 374 ("CCSU" case). The doctrine of legitimate expectation belongs to the category of interests which is likely to be 
affected by exercise of power and which in turn require observance of the principles of natural justice as a condition of the power to be validly exercised. Counsel for the Second Appellant summ}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360 
arised i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 t this way, "The basis of the doctrine of legitimate expectation is tha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360 t notwithstanding the absence of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  a legal right or interest, good admini}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16219142 stration demands the observance }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 of the principles of natural justice where a citizen may legitimately be }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360 expected to be treated fairly.\'94}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  It is however well to remember 
that the protection of a "legitimate expectation" is not of itself an independent foundation of a jurisdiction to grant a remedy. It's the consequence of the availability of a remedy to give effect to a statute. As Brennan J posed in }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid16219142 Annetts v. McCann}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360\charrsid16219142  [1999] 170 CLR 595, at 60}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid16219142 5:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360\charrsid1255838 \'93I}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 
f the jurisdiction to grant a judicial review remedy is thought to arise from the existence of a legitimate expectation rather than an implied statutory condition, what is the criteria of legitimacy? Legitimacy has been attribut
ed to expectations that originate in specified ways such as representations, practices and assurances."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The expectation must therefore arise by an undertaking or promise or by estab}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2432143 lished practice or custom. I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360 n}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid2432143 Re Westminster Count Council}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360  [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 19 86}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360 ]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  AC 688, Lord Bridge said, at p.692:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 
"The Courts have developed a relatively novel doctrine in public law that a duty of consultation may arise from a legitimate expectation of consultation aroused either by a promise or by an established}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360\charrsid1255838  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 practice of consultation."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid11077360 Lord Bridge was talking of only an interest amongst a bundle of }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360\charrsid11077360 interests that together make up}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid11077360 
 the doctrine of legitimate expectations. The duty to consult is the most recognised }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360\charrsid11077360 of these interests. Lord Diploc}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid11077360 k in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360\charrsid16392674 C.C.S.}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid16392674 U}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid16392674  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid11077360 case defined the right of a person to challenge under this doctrine if the dec}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9063330 ision has the effect of,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11077360  at p.40}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid11077360 8, "(b) depriving}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  him of some benefit or advantage which either (i) he had in the past being permitted by the decision-maker to enjoy and which it
 can legitimately expect to be permitted to continue to do until there has been communicated to him some rational grounds for withdrawing it on which he has been given the opportunity to comment; or (ii) he has received assurance from the decision-maker w
ill not be withdrawn without giving him first the opportunity of advancing reasons for contending that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285 they should not be withdrawn. (I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  prefer to continue to call the kind of expectation that qualifies a decision for inclusion in class (b) a "legitimate exp
ectation" rather than a "reasonable expectation" in order thereby to indicate that it has consequences to which effect will be given in public law, whereas the expectation or hope that some benefit or advantage would}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 continue to be enjoyed, although it might well be entertained by a "reasonable" would not necessarily have such consequences ..."}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The Fiji Court of Appeal in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid9063330 Pacific Transport Co. Ltd. v. Mohammed Jalil Khan & O}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid2053312 r}{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid12868285  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285 FCA CA No. 21/}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
1996 agreed with the application of the doctrine as expressed in the English decisions cited. The essential elements discerned from these cases, are that legitimate expectation may arise by giving of assurances and}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 or the existence of regular practice that is expected to be followed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
In this case, both Applicants submit that since the decision affects the terms and conditions of their members' employment, they, as representatives of the members expected to be consulted by the Respondents.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The Second Applic
ant further submits, that in addition, it had legitimate expectation, that should the consultation process fail, the Respondents were obliged under the Master Collective Agreement, to refer the matter as a trade dispute, under the Trade Disputes Act (Cap.
 97).}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
The Respondents' Counsel argue that the decision by the Respondents is an exercise of legislative or executive authority be it original or, delegated, and as such there was no duty to consult. Ther}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285 
efore the subject matter is non-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 justiciable. As a res
ult the decision was not amenable to judicial review. This category of cases belong to "matters of high policy" which result from the exercise of executive functions under prerogative powers. The category is described by Taylor}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285  L J in }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285\charrsid15941705 Reg}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15941705 . }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid15941705 v. Foreign Secretary. Ex p. Everett}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  [1989}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285 ] 811, at 820}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 as "matters so vital to the survival and welfare of the nation as the conduct of relations with foreign states" and domestically, where executive decisions involve "competing policy considerations."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 In the alternative, the Respondents argue that they had consulted widely wi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285 th CPSU (4 times) and the FPSU (}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 3 times) on the mandatory retirement age policy. That no agreement was reached does not deny the fact that the Applicants had been consulted.
\par 
\par I entertain grave doubts that the decision to lower compulsory retiring age of civil servants fall into "matters of h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285 igh policy". In the first place,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  the decision was by the Public Service Commission an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285 d was not executive decision. It}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  was a matter of administrative decision, af}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285 fecting the rights of individual}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 s. But even if it were, executive, it does not necessarily deny this Court jurisdiction. As }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285 Lord Diplock stated in the }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285\charrsid9051101 CCSU}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285  case at p.410}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12868285\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 "As re}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8289589 spects "}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid1255838 Procedural propriety\'94 I}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 
 see no reason why it should not be a ground for judicial review made under powers which the ultimate source is the prerogative."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Lord Diplock referred to }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid15536137 Re}
{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid15536137 g. v. Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, Ex part}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid15536137 e Lain}{
\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid6174342  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 [1967] 2QB 864, where the subject matter
 of the judicial review was an executive authority by an act of the Crown; and in which the Court held that it had jurisdiction to inquire into the decision of the Board in order t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342 
o see whether there is on the f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ace of the record, an error of law. Lord }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3243541\charrsid5510134 Dip}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3243541 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3243541\charrsid5510134 ock}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  then continued:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 "Indeed, where the decision}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid1255838  is one which does not al}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 
ter rights or obligations enforceable in private law but only deprives a person of legitimate expectations, "procedural impropriety" will normally provide the only ground on which the
 decision is open to judicial review. But in any event what procedure will satisfy the public law requirement of procedural propriety depends upon the subject matter of the decisions, the executive function of the decision-maker (if the decision is not th
at of an administrative tribunal) and the particular circumstances in which the decision carne to be made."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid13781031 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13781031 
 do not have any doubt that this Court simi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid13781031 larl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13781031 y has jurisdiction to entertain the present applica}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid13781031 tion for an order of certiorari}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13781031  against the Public Service Commission}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13781031 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13781031 
\par 
\par In this case there is in existence the General Orders which prescribe the terms and conditions of service of all employees. It is legally recognised by both the Applicants and the Respondents as Master Collective Ag
reement between the employees and the First Respondent. It}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid13781031 s}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13781031 
 status and effect were fully explored by the Arbitratio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid13781031 n Tribunal in its decision of 20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13781031  October 1997 (}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid6434687 Fiji Public Service Commission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13781031  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid6434687 
v. Public Service}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13781031  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid6434687 Commission}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13781031 
, Award No. 23/1995). It is important to highlight some of the Tribunal's findings relevant to the issue before the Court. The Commission had argued that if the General Orders were to be taken and recognised as a co}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid13781031 llective agreement, then the PSC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid13781031  Regulations regulating also the terms and c
onditions of employment, would be a nullity or at least redundant. The Tribunal observed:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid1255838 "}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 
... Such approach is also }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid1255838 overly simplistic. It assumes it}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 
 must be one or the other and there can be no co-existence. Having held that those General Orders are prop
erly registered as a collective agreement in no way fettered the Commission from exercising the powers it is conferred by law and constitutional fiat. It is just that those powers have to be exercised mindful of other relevant legislation. Where the provi
sionals of General Orders related to terms and conditions of employment upon which the Association and the other unions have a right to negotiate, then those may not be changed without consultation and agreement."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri1494\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin1494\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6174342\charrsid5510134 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 While the Tribunal's decision is not bindi
ng on this Court, it nevertheless is an interpretation the court shares and fully endorses. The Courts have made clear and reiterated by Lord Diplock in the }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid4870684 CCSU case}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  that any action which has the intention of varying the terms and conditions of employment
 of civil servants may be reviewed on the grounds of illegality, irrationality or procedural impropriety. As to the latter, the expectation by the Applicants to be consulted was a legitimate one, given past practices. It is, in my view, reasonable to expe
ct that the Commission consult with its employees in matters that affect their}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 employment. Lowering the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 compulsory retirement age from 6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 0 to 55 is such a matter. N}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 
ot to do so, would in Lord Diplo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ck's term am}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 ount to "procedural impropriety\'94}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  described as the failure to observe basic rules of natural justice or failure to act with procedural fairness towards the person who will be affected by the decision.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 In the alternative, Counsel for the Respondents argue that should the Court rule that t
here was a duty to consult, the Commission had in fact held these consultations. According to the affidavits of Taina Tagicakibau consultations were held with the First Applicant in their three (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 
3) meetings with FPSU held on 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6518473\charrsid6518473 st}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 , 12}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6518473\charrsid6518473 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473  and 20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6518473\charrsid6518473 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473  February 2007}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  and with the Second Applicant in their four (4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 ) meetings with CPSU held on 5}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6518473\charrsid6518473 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 , 12}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6518473\charrsid6518473 th}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473  , 20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6518473\charrsid6518473 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473  February 2007 and 8}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid6518473\charrsid6518473 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 July 2007. In all of these meetings, the lowering of the mandatory retirement age to 55 were discussed. The minutes of these meetings were produced in Court.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  have read through ai}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 l the minutes of the meetings. I}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  offer the following observations. It is evident from the records of all these meetings that the Commission had gone into great length to explain to the Applicants and the other assoc
iated unions the reasons behind the policy decision. These reasons have been fully discussed above. What is equally clear from the records, is the fact that at no time was there any discussion on alternatives or other ways of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473  achieving the same objectives. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
The Court had earlier referred to the proposals, that the Second Applicant had underlined in its letter of 21 July 2007 to the Permanent Secretary of Labour. Similarly, proposals were contained in the Fiji Nursing Association's letter to the Permanent Sec
retar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4870684 y of Labour of 26 June,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473  2007. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
These would have provided suitable themes for parties to discuss alternatives. Instead, the decision to lower the mandatory retirement age was more or less presented as a }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid6518473 
fait accompli}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473  to the Appli}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 cants. Except for FTU, all the unions opposed the proposal. There were no options offered or d}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 iscussed. The only option which}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  was given to the unions, according to Ms Tagicakibau, was the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid3243541 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 phased implementation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3243541 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  of the new retirement age policy, which, the unions also rejected. With respect, this was not an option at all}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 . It was merely, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 as the term suggests, an implementation procedure, after the decision had been made, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473 albeit by the Commission, alone.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  At any rate, the Commission insisted that the applicants were consulted and acc
ording to Ms Tagicakibau, "Consultation does not mean that Government had to follow the wishes of the Unions".}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6518473\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 "Consultation" is defined}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582  in the Shorter Oxford English D}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
ictionary on Historical Principles (3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid6896582 rd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 Ed) as "the action of consulting or taking counsel together; deliberation }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582 conference". "Consult" means "1.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 To take counsel together, deliberate, confer; 2. To confer about, deliberate upon, consider; 3. to take counsel to bring about; to plan; devise; con
trive; 4. To provide for by consultation; to have an eye to; 5. To ask advise of, seek counsel from; to have recourse to for instructions or professional advise."}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 Consultation is a process that by definition means talking and discussing together, while se
eking advise and counsel. It invokes the idea of coming together, discussing, listening, taking counsel and reaching consensus. But the term means much more, and I will suggest, takes on a technical meaning, when used to define meetings of parties, such a
s employer-employee, in the field of industrial relations and under the au}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582 spices of collective agreements.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 Consultation in this context, given that one is dealing with terms and conditions of service, by implication, means }{\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid3112640 consultation and agreement}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 . This is especially so given the existence of the legislative frameworks, such }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582 as the Trade Dispute Act, that l}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 ends support to situations such as failure to agree after consultations under a collective agreement.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7501681\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 In my view therefore the meetings held by the Com
mission and the Respondents failed to satisfy the requirements of legitimate expectation by the Respondent to be consulted. These meetings were no more than a forum for the Commission to explain the objectives of the impending decision and why it was nece
ssary. Alternatives were neither raised nor discussed, even although the Respondents were open to them. There were no negotiations. There was no consultation as}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 required under The}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582  Master Collective Agreement. In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
 these circumstances the Court find}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582 s and is satisfied that there w}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 
as procedural impropriety in that the Respondents, by not consulting with the Applicants, had failed to observe the basic rule of natural justice.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 The Second Applicant had further argued under the doctrine of legitimate expectation, th
at the Respondents had neglected to refer the matter to arbitration following the failure to reach any agreement. Given that the Court has already found procedural impropriety in the way the Respondents had arrived at its decision, and also the fact that 
t
he Applicants had not agreed to its implementation, then it is reasonable to expect the matter, relating as it does to the terms of employment and therefore come under the Collective Master Agreement, should have been deemed by the Respondents as a "trade
 
dispute" within the definition of section 2 of the Act, and reported to the Permanent Secretary of Labour, under section 3. That the Respondents failed to do so, can legitimately be argued as made by the Second Applicant, as further instance of failure by
 the Commission to observe procedural fairness. The Court finds it so.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid5510134 
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 Failure to Give a Reason
\par }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid462270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 This ground i}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid462270 s raised by the First Applicant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 
 It specifically}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid462270  referred to PSC Circular No.8/2007}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3218532\charrsid462270 ,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid462270  that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270  conveyed the decision, but not the reasons of the lowering of the mandatory retirement age.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid462270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 This ground is dismissed for the simple reason that the First Applicant, along with the other Unions had been fully informed in their various meetings with the Co
mmission, of the reasons the decision was being taken}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3218532\charrsid462270 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid462270 
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 Decision Is Unreasonable
\par }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid462270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 This ground is raised by the Second Applicant. In support, Coun}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6896582\charrsid462270 sel said that the Commission w}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 as fully aware of the massive br}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 ain drain that resulted from the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 previous occasion, when the retirement age was similarly lowered with hindsight, the Second Applicant contends, the decision is not only reasonable but irrational.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 While the argument may have held true on the previous occasion, the Respondent argues that the situation is
 different this time round. Not only are there contingency plans, such as the re-hiring policy, and staggered implementation periods, the necessity and urgency of the occasion calls for the complementation of such a drastic policy. The Court agrees that i
n the circumstances, the decision may not necessarily be unreasonable nor irrational.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 Pensions Act 1993
\par }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 I have not included the effect of the decision being challenged, on the Pension Act, because it was not argued before me. The Court had raised it at th
e end of Counsel's submission and the views expressed were at best preliminary. However, it is pertinent to note that section 9 of the Act recognises and protects the right of a civil servant in a pensionable office to Co}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 mpulsory retire at the age of 60}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270  ye
ars. It is of course probable that amendments to the Act may be made by way of decree, given that there is no Parliament, but the subjugation of an enactment to a delegated regulatory authority is the more pertinent issue that is rai}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 sed as a consequence. However, I}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270  would prefer to leave the resolution of the question to a more appropriate occasion.

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 Conclusion}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }{\b\i\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 In the end, it is the findings of this Court:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 1. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 
that the Appellants possess the legal capacity and persona to represent their individual members, in bringing actions under Chapter 4 of the Constitution;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 2. the Respondents, by l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 
owering the mandatory retirement age of civil servants to 55, without the agreement of the affected party, had acted in breach of section 38 of the Constitution which protects an individual from dis}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 crimination on the basis of age;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 
3. that the Respondents have failed to satisfy the threshold requirements of what is reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society that would have provided the exception to section 38 as permissible under sub-sec}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 tion (7);}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 4. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 
that the Respondents had, by not consulting and reaching an agreement with the Applicants, on amendments to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 the Master Collective Agreement,}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270  failed to observe the basic rules of natural justice;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 5. that the
 Respondents by not preferring to refer the matter as a trade dispute under the Act, had acted contrary to the legitimate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270  expectations of the Applicants.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par In}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270  the result a Declaration is made that the decision of 9 March 2007 is in breach of section 38 of the Constitution. It is unlawful and therefore null and void.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 An Order of Certiorari is made removing the said decision into this Court, and the decision be and is hereby quashed.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 Costs is summarily assessed at $850 to each of th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 e Applicants to be paid within }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid462270 l4 days.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid462270 F. Jitoko}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid9833188 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3243541 {\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838\charrsid1255838 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134 At Suva
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1255838 Thursday 20}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid1255838 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5510134\charrsid5510134  December 2007
\par 
\par }}