·
Hon Justice Durie: full-time; expertise general law, knowledge and
experience in Maori matters; term expires 30/6/07.
·
Frances Joychild: full time; expertise public law, employment, human
rights; term expires 9/2/06.
·
Dr Ngatata Love: part-time; knowledge and experience in Maori matters;
term expires 30/4/07. (Ngatata has not been participating for some time and
has indicated that he intends to resign.)
38
Hon Justice Bruce Robertson was President until June this year but resigned on
his appointment to the Court of Appeal. Dr Warren Young is the Acting President
pending the appointment of a new President after the general election.
Issues for the New Minister
39
There are several matters requiring the early attention of the new Minister:
·
Following the review of the operation of the Law Commission, potential
changes to the organisation and budget will be discussed with the new
Minister. Decisions about the way forward will impact on future planning
for the work programme and appointment of commissioners. The options
will include preparation of a business case for an increase in baseline
funding.
·
The current Memorandum of Understanding notes that further projects may
be added to the work programme for the second half of 2005/06. We would
like to circulate a fresh request for bids from the new Cabinet ministers as
soon as practicable.
·
It would be desirable to put in place a systematic strategy to inform
Ministers and government agencies as to the role and value of the
Commission, so that the benefits it can provide are maximised.
·
The Commission currently has fewer Commissioners than usual. There are
effectively 3.5 FTE Commissioners, whereas the maximum number allowed
under the Law Commission Act is 6. The vacancies include the Presidency.
In light of the budgetary bid to be put forward, consideration will need to be
given to the number of Commissioners to be appointed and the process to be
followed in appointing them. It will also be important to ensure that the
skills and experience of the appointed Commissioners match the
requirements of the work programme envisaged for the Commission.
40
The Law Commission looks forward to the challenge of implementing the
recommendations from the review and continuing its contribution to the
development of practical, relevant and understandable laws.