Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan urges solicitors to “be reasonable” as a dispute continues over changes to criminal legal aid fees in the district court. O’Callaghan says he has “great respect” for solicitors while arguing that the previous fee system, which encouraged work to be charged in a way that he says can lead to delays, “encourages adjournments” in district court cases. The minister points to reforms introduced in the criminal legal aid scheme, including the implementation of a flat-fee rate for district court matters from July 1. He is calling for cooperation as the sector reacts to the new payment structure.
Both outlets report that solicitors are dissatisfied with the flat-fee approach and that the dispute is centred on how the new arrangement affects courtroom scheduling and day-to-day case management. O’Callaghan’s comments focus on maintaining practical progress in cases while the legal community responds to the policy shift.
