40517 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Justice

40517 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Justice: When, if ever, do the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, intend to review board pay to align with Cabinet Circular CO (25) 2?

Hon Paul Goldsmith: I am advised the Ministry of Justice (the Ministry) is assessing the implications of the updated Cabinet Fees Framework (CFF), released on 28 July 2025, for judicial and statutory officers whose fees are set under this framework. Key updates to the CFF include a 30% increase in fee ranges for Group 2 and Group 4 bodies, which cover approximately 136 Ministry-administered judicial and statutory roles. This also applies to Ministerial Advisory groups. While there is no immediate requirement to adjust fees, the Public Service Commission expects agencies to complete their reviews within the next 12 months. The Ministry is currently assessing the impact of these changes and will provide advice in due course of all implications. The Ministry has acknowledged the updated CFF in communications to Tribunal Chairs and relevant Heads of Bench and outlined the planned approach.