Speech to International Legal Aid Group Conference

Good evening.

I would like to acknowledge the Chief Justice, Dame Sian Elias; the conference convenor and Chair of the International Legal Aid Group, Professor Alan Paterson; and the Chair of the New Zealand Legal Services Agency, Carole Durbin.

First, let me say that I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak with you today, to mark the opening of the 2009 International Legal Aid Group Conference.  I have a keen interest in legal aid matters both as Minister of Justice and also as someone who has practised law. 

I am delighted that New Zealand is able to host the biennial conference on this occasion.  It is exciting to see representatives from such a variety of nations bringing together such a wide range of perspectives. 

I am aware that some of the most noted experts in the legal aid field are in attendance today.  In fact, I think it would be fair to say that it would be difficult to point to someone in this room who was not an expert in legal aid matters.

While we may come from very different backgrounds and work in vastly different environments, we are all still working toward a common goal.  That goal is to ensure that effective legal aid services are delivered in our respective countries.  It is this objective that brings us here today, to share our knowledge and understanding of legal aid matters as we seek to ensure that access to justice is upheld in each of our countries.

Legal aid has a defining role in upholding access to justice.  By funding legal aid services, governments give effect to the principles of equality before the law and natural justice.  This upholds public confidence in the legitimacy and effectiveness of the justice system. 

I do not need to tell you that in the current economic environment, legal aid systems are likely to face increasing challenges in achieving their objectives.  Like other countries, New Zealand faces rising costs, problems with access, and impacts on the justice system, especially the courts.   

Governments need to make sure that people can access legal information, education, advice and representation when they require it.  As we are all aware, the cost of legal services can prevent people from seeking or being able to access legal assistance when they are in need. 

As Minister of Justice, I am committed to the goal of ensuring access to justice for all New Zealanders.  In this respect, there is a special significance to New Zealand hosting the conference this year.  I am pleased to take this opportunity to announce that the New Zealand Government is going to undertake a fundamental review of legal aid in New Zealand to ensure that we have an effective and sustainable system into the future. 

This will be a comprehensive review looking at all aspects of New Zealand's legal aid system.  The purpose is to consider how the system can best be structured so that it delivers effective legal services to those who need them most, in a way that is cost-effective and sustainable. 

Quality will be an important focus, as will ensuring that any changes have a positive impact on the wider justice system, especially on the way the courts operate.  The review will also focus on developing alternative approaches to manage or reduce costs.  Options need to be fair and effective, but they also need to be affordable, durable, and simple to administer.

Dame Margaret Bazley has agreed to lead the review, and will be supported by a panel of experts who are yet to be appointed.  I expect public consultation to occur later this year and proposals to be announced in the New Year.

From my perspective, the timing of this conference is indeed fortuitous.  I have no doubt that it will greatly benefit our review.  I also have no doubt that this conference will benefit the work being undertaken in your own countries.  There is no better opportunity to gather knowledge, generate ideas, and test proposals.

On this note, I would like to acknowledge the work that Professor Paterson and the International Legal Aid Group, also the New Zealand Legal Services Agency have put into organising this conference, as well as all the speakers and delegates for the insights they will provide over the next few days. 

It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to everyone here.  I know some of you have travelled a very long way to be here.  I wish you all the best for your conference and hope you are able to enjoy some of what New Zealand has to offer while you are here.