19099 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice

19099 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Justice: Under the change proposal currently being consulted on by the Public Defence Service is it proposed that the Service decrease the number of Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases that it takes; if so how will those defendants get proper representation?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: I am advised that yes, under the current change proposal the PDS will take approximately 12-13 less senior court appeal cases. Both Public Defence Service lawyers and lawyers in the private profession hold the same Legal Aid approval listing to be able to undertake legally aided senior court appeals. Should there be a reduction in the number of senior court appeals done by the Public Defence Service, there are a sufficient number of private lawyers with the appropriate approval listing to undertake this work.