Reforms improve legal aid

The Legal Services Act was passed earlier this week, paving the way for big improvements to New Zealand's legal aid system. The Act is part of the National-led Government’s response to Dame Margaret Bazley’s report on the legal aid system. The report identified system-wide failings and called for urgent action to restore trust and confidence in legal aid. The new Act provides for more efficient and cost-effective legal aid services. We will soon announce measures for better management of the Government’s spending on legal aid. These changes will focus on the long-term financial sustainability of the legal aid system. More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/parliament-passes-legal-aid-reforms