Lianne Dalziel

Labour Justice spokesperson Lianne Dalziel says she is impressed with the scope and quality of recommendations in Dame Margaret Bazley's Legal Aid Review report.

Lianne Dalziel, who made a submission (attached) to the review, said that the report, published today, exceeded her expectations.

"It pulls no punches in terms of identifying the problems the scheme has faced and makes realistic proposals for addressing those problems."

Lianne Dalziel, who is a lawyer by profession, expressed disappointment at the report's identification of corruption among some lawyers, as well as the failure of a system that allowed it to go unchecked for so long. "The Minister's initial response to the recommendations is very positive, and Labour will certainly be willing to work with the government as it develops a better system."

Lianne Dalziel said she was particularly pleased that the report recommends expanding the Public Defence Service initiative being trialled in Auckland and making greater use of Community Law Centres, along with bulk funding for legal aid lawyers and contracting in specialist lawyers where needed.

"These were all recommendations that I included in my submission and provide a solid framework for addressing the flaws in the current system," Lianne Dalziel said.