12. CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
What progress has been made on the roll-out of the Public Defence Service?
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) Link to this
I recently officially opened the Papakura-Pukekohe Public Defence Service. Its opening was significant because it marked the completion of the roll-out of the Public Defence Service across the entire Auckland region. A formal evaluation of the Public Defence Service and feedback from judges, practitioners, and court staff indicate that the Public Defence Service is operating well. It continues to provide clients with as good a level of legal representation as they would receive from the private Bar. It has led to a significant reduction in the number of jury trials, court time, and costs.
What plans, if any, does the Minister have to expand the Public Defence Service to other locations? [ Interruption]
Mr SPEAKERBefore I call the Minister, I say that I just could not hear the question, because of the interjections from across the front bench. Would Chester Borrows mind repeating his supplementary question for me, please.