3. CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
What recent announcements has he made regarding legal aid?
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) Link to this
On 1 September I announced the release of the discussion paper Improving the Legal Aid System. The discussion paper is the first stage in a fundamental review of the legal aid system led by Dame Margaret Bazley. The purpose of the review is to consider how the system can best be structured so that it delivers effective services to those who need them most, in a way that is cost-effective and sustainable. Dame Margaret Bazley will provide me with a final report from the review in November.
Public submissions on the discussion paper are open until 9 October. I note that in a press release the Hon Lianne Dalziel and Charles Chauvel indicated they would be making a submission on the discussion document. I look forward to receiving that. I encourage members of the public in particular, as well as members of the profession, to read the discussion paper, which can be found on the Ministry of Justice’s website. They should all make a submission, if possible.
Hon Lianne Dalziel Link to this
Is the Minister disappointed in the lack of opportunity for expanding the Public Defence Service that this paper presents, in light of his public endorsement of the service; and will the Government consider the expansion of the service beyond the very limited suggestion in the discussion document, where it is limited to improving standards where there are particular problems?
No, I am not disappointed at all with the discussion document. As the member knows, the Budget itself announced an expansion in the Public Defence Service. I am on the record as saying I am very impressed with it, and I am sure it will have a role.
Rahui KateneWhat progress has been made to co-locate advice and information services with other social services in order to address the underlying problems that the discussion document says are being faced by Māori and Pacific peoples, and by other groups of people at risk of social exclusion?
Well, although we await Dame Margaret’s final report on the issue of the proposed future shape of the legal aid system, including whether that system should be integrated with other social services, I can say on first hearing the suggestion that it is something I would be prepared to have a look at.