Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya has called on the Ministry of Finance to align the salaries of legal aid lawyers with those in the private sector. During a parliamentary debate regarding the “Consolidated Review Report of the Legal Aid Commission 2018 to 2023,” tabled on December 3, 2024, Koya emphasized the critical need for increased funding for the Legal Aid Commission in the upcoming 2025-2026 Budget.
Highlighting the significance of the legal aid system, which he noted is the largest law firm in the country employing approximately 100 lawyers, Koya stressed that competitive salaries are essential to attract top talent from universities. He pointed out that adequately compensated legal aid lawyers are crucial for maintaining the quality of legal representation throughout the country, especially as the scope of their work has expanded from solely criminal cases to include family law and other areas.
Koya’s remarks resonate with previous discussions led by Minister for Lands, Filimoni Vosarogo, who also supported a fair compensation framework for legal aid lawyers amid rising workloads and concerns about the quality of legal representation, as highlighted in past reports. These systemic challenges have underscored the need for legal reform that enhances the operational efficiency of legal institutions in Fiji.
The emphasis on improving compensation and support for legal aid lawyers indicates a positive move towards better access to justice for all citizens. By addressing these pressing issues, the government not only recognizes the importance of legal aid but also aims to improve the overall legal framework, ultimately benefiting the community at large.
There is hope that these discussions will lead to significant improvements in the working conditions for legal aid lawyers, fostering a more robust legal sector that can effectively serve the needs of the population. Increased funding and better salaries could transform the legal landscape, ensuring that it remains accessible and equitable.
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