Good afternoon and thank you for inviting me to your luncheon today.
Today I'd like to outline some of the government's priorities for the legal system, and touch on a few issues facing JPs in particular.
Can I start by thanking all of you, for the valuable work you do as JPs.
The communities you serve rely on you for a number of important functions - whether it be witnessing documents and taking statutory declarations, or offering advice or guidance.
Today there are over 10,000 JPs in New Zealand, and your communities see you as leaders.
The role of a JP has always been to serve the public. It is done on a voluntary basis, with no expectation of payment.
As the local MP for Otaki I've heard many times how much the local community values your work.
My own father is a JP so I have a reasonable understanding of the role.
You might be aware the first JP in New Zealand was appointed in 1814, so that's nearly 200 years of voluntary service.
As well as your work in the community, many of you play an important role in the court system.
In the 2008/2009 year you provided almost 25,000 hours of service to District Court work around the country, undertaking a range of duties from hearing summary offences to issuing search warrants.
Crime and victims
As a group with an interest in the justice system, I'd like to fill you in on the government's main priorities in this area.
A key focus for us has been on the victims of crime. I'm sure you are all aware of the impact crime has on individuals and on communities.
From 1 July a $50 levy will be imposed on all convicted offenders at the point of sentencing in court.
This is in addition to any sentence or court order, and will be collected after reparation and before fines.
The money raised by this levy will help pay for additional support services to victims of serious crimes.
We expect the levy to generate $13.6 million over the first four years.
We've also brought in new ways to protect the victims of domestic violence.
Police can now issue orders on the spot to remove an alleged violent person from a home for up to five days.
This can be issued when there's not enough basis for an arrest, but when Police believe there is a danger of violence occurring.
If a Police safety order is breached, then the matter can be brought before the court. A JP will then be able to direct the Police to issue a new order, and can also send the matter to a Judge to consider a temporary protection order.
The Ministry of Justice, the Police and the Courts have been preparing training material for JPs on this new role.
Legal aid and alcohol
I'm sure you'll be aware of the report into the legal aid system, released by Dame Margaret Bazely last year.
She found a number of system-wide failings, leaving the system open to abuse by lawyers and defendants.
The government has taken her concerns very seriously, and accepted most of her recommendations.
Justice Minister Simon Power has announced a range of measures to improve the standards of lawyers taking part, and improve the transparency of the system.
We are confident these changes will rebuild public confidence in the system, and deliver better value for taxpayers.
Also in the news recently has been the Law Commission's report into alcohol, with a range of ideas for reducing the harm it causes to society.
The government has 120 working days to develop its formal response to the report, and we are carefully considering all the options.
Reducing the harm from alcohol is a major priority in the Government's approach to Addressing the Drivers of Crime.
Continuing work
Modernising our courts is another big project.
In my electorate we've recently opened a very impressive new courthouse in Levin. We had an open day a few weeks ago, and I can tell you it is a major improvement from the old leaky building.
Across from my office in Wellington we have the new Supreme Court building, which is drawing a range of opinions on its unique design.
Inside the courts we are making greater use of technology. The Courts (Remote Participation) Bill will allow participants to appear in Court using audio-visual links, as long as certain criteria is met.
Within four years time we estimate some of New Zealand's busiest Courts will each see up to 2,000 remand prisoners appearing this way every year.
We hope this will mean more efficient courts with fewer delays and hold-ups.
Testing for this will begin soon in the Auckland District Court and the Auckland Central Remand Prison.
The Justice Ministry will be working with the Royal Federation on training for Judicial JPs in Auckland who might end up using this system.
We're also looking to make use of technology to reduce paperwork in Courts, which I think will be a relief to many of you.
Another major project is the Criminal Procedure (Simplification) Project.
This is intended to fundamentally reform criminal procedure and replace most of the Summary Proceedings Act 1957 with a new consolidated Act.
A major change proposed is to introduce a case management system, requiring parties to discuss their case and exchange information in an attempt to resolve matters.
The aim is to avoid unnecessary appearances and shorten trial time.
We want to see more efficient, clearer and faster processes.
This will mean improved access to justice for court users, and more public confidence in the system.
I know the Royal Federation have already indicated that JPs will be providing feedback on the new Bill once it has been introduced into the House, and I encourage you to do so.
Another piece of legislation likely to affect JPs is the Search and Surveillance Bill, which deals with situations where Police need a warrant urgently.
Issuing officers will be available 24-7 to grant search and surveillance warrants.
Many of those who will train to become issuing officers are likely to be JPs.
The Bill has had its first reading and the Select Committee report back has been deferred until October of this year.
Finally, I'm overseeing changes to the law regarding the regulation of security guards ahead of the Rugby World Cup next year.
So as you can see, it's a very busy programme of work.
JP issues
Can I finish by touching on a couple of issues directly relevant to JPs.
The Ministry of Justice has been working with the Royal Federation to rewrite the Judicial JPs manual, and they have also developed a new Judicial JPs bench book.
Work is also underway to review and redesign the Judicial JPs training course.
This course was first developed in 1976 and hasn't been properly reviewed in over 20 years.
Work is underway with the New Zealand Open Polytechnic to:
reduce the current number of course assessments (from 10 to 3) and;
achieve a more practical and applied approach to learning.
I've also been very impressed by the flash new website of the Royal Federation of JPs. It looks great, it's easy to use and has a lot of useful information for the public and for JPs.
Conclusion
Thank you for the opportunity to be here today, and thank you again for the work you do to serve the public. I can assure you it is well known and well appreciated by the Government, and the wider community.
Thank you.