Janet Mason, a senior barrister currently assisting the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), is facing significant challenges in her legal career due to a recent ruling from the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal. The tribunal has imposed a three-month suspension on her effective April 11, 2025, citing her failure to complete a required civil litigation course. This timeline coincides with the deadline for the COI’s final report.
During the tribunal hearings, which Mason attended remotely from Fiji, her counsel argued for a deferral of the penalty ruling, stating that her role in the COI required her immediate attention. The High Court has allowed a deferral until April 2025, acknowledging the impact that a suspension would have on Mason’s existing obligations. However, the tribunal expressed concerns about the delays in her case and initially declined further adjournments, indicating a need for timely resolutions.
Mason is currently appealing the tribunal’s decision, asserting that the disciplinary actions are attempts to sideline her from the COI. She has expressed her commitment to both the inquiry and her legal practice, emphasizing that her integrity remains intact. Moreover, the Fiji Law Society has recommended that Mason step aside from her role in the COI to maintain public confidence in the integrity of the inquiry, although this is not a call for her complete removal.
Juxtaposing her legal troubles, Mason has initiated discussions around ethical standards and reform in governance practices. These proceedings highlight the critical importance of accountability, particularly within politically sensitive investigations like the one concerning FICAC. Stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic that through this inquiry, significant reforms can be achieved that reinforce transparency and trust in Fiji’s institutions.
Overall, while the challenges are pronounced, there is a sense of hope that these situations may ultimately lead to improvements in governance standards in Fiji and bolster public confidence in legal and political frameworks.
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