Position readvertised

Press, 31 March 1981, Page 1

Position readvertised

The position of professor of education at the University of Canterbury, vacant since the Immigration Department refused the entry into New Zealand of Dr Julienne Ford, has been readvertised.

Dr Ford, a lecturer in social sciences at the Middlesex Polytechnic, was barred because she was a solo parent with a dependant child, and for falsely declaring that she had had no criminal convictions. • The university was subsequently criticised by the Minister of Immigration (Mr Malcolm) for paying her fare to New Zealand for an interview before her appointment, and for then offering her the job

at more than $31,000 a year. . A statement issued bj r the university yesterday, has justified the cost and procedures of bringing Dr Ford to Christchurch on the grounds of the importance of the appointment, and its likely long-term nature. For professprs-to-, be, it -was “most desirable that the short-listed candidates be interviewed,” the statement said. The candidates are usually brought to the university for. about a week to give a lecture or seminar, have discussions with .staff; and attend an interview by the appointments committee.

The conditions of appointment *:r academic

staff make provision for a grant - towards the appointee’s ’ transfer costs and, if . available, rental accommodation is provided for the appointee and family fora short period. Ap-pointees-from overseas are given their first Week’s accommodation rent free.

Salaries offered all appointees are determined by salary scales -set by the Higher Salaries Commission. •■/ ■ . - *

: At yesterday’s . university council meeting, the vice-chancellor (Professor A.' D.; Brownlie)' said that the council would normally write to an appointee upon his appointment and suggest that he immediately get- in touch with the appropriate immigration authority. A letter

would also be sent to the immigration authority, expressing gratitude for any help in “expediting matters.”

In answer to a question by-a council’, member,; Professor? Brownlie. said that university application; forms,did.not require specific. '■ x . rkhbvvledge;. ’, of breaches 'of,.'the? law.' The only/persohal - details required,' .'he,; -said,, were name; date of birth,? maritaE'status, and nationality.' ‘.‘lt .is an open' question whether seeking these details‘ is contrary, to the Human Rights ’ Act. I would tend to think taking into account the question of being a solo parent might also be contrary to the act,” he said.' :