16473 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Justice

Written Question

Published date: 28 Apr 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	16473 (2025)
Question asked:	06 Apr 2025
Member asking:	Francisco Hernandez
Portfolio:	Minister of Justice
Minister replying:	Hon Paul Goldsmith
Answer received:	21 Apr 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_16473_2025
Document guid:	c7a41337-14cf-41e3-abea-7dae5a8eb4fe

16473 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Justice: What consultations did the Minister’s departments, if any, open on the week beginning 31 March 2025 with employees around any changes to employment roles, employment numbers and any other employment conditions, and what date are any such consultations expected to close?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: I am advised that consultation was opened on 3 April 2025, for proposed changes within the Public Defence Service and Legal Aid Services. Consultation is currently open for three weeks, with the current date for consultation closing being 24 April 2025. The proposal is focused on managing an increased Public Defence Service case volume, enhancing the cohesion of a duty lawyer service nationally, reprioritising some case activities, and finding more efficient and effective ways of delivering internal support services.