New law to weed out 'car boot' lawyers

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Justice Minister Simon Power has introduced a bill to Parliament to reform the legal aid system and weed out ''car boot'' lawyers.

Dame Margaret Bazley estimated up to 200 lawyers were abusing the system in a critical report released last November.

The Government then announced a reform package in response, The new bill introduced today gives effect to the changes, which include making lawyers pass a competency test before they can carry out legal aid work.

"This bill shows the Government has acted quickly to address the issues identified in Dame Margaret's report," Simon Power said.

"The bill, in conjunction with operational changes already under way, will establish a system that will deliver high-quality legal services to those who need them and ensure that public money is spent properly."

Mr Power hopes the bill will be passed in March.

Last year there were 85,156 legal aid grants costing taxpayers $131 million. Dame Margaret accused ''car boot'' lawyers of racking up legal aid bills on the taxpayer.

Legal aid in the criminal courts was characterised by ''inefficiency and poor service,'' she said.

The new legislation will see lawyers working in the legal aid system monitored by a performance review committee. Sanctions would be imposed if they did not meet standards. Lawyers would also have to re-apply for accreditation every three years.

- © Fairfax NZ News