The Solicitor-General is urging government ministries to enhance their accountability and clarity in policy development to streamline the lawmaking process. SG Ropate Green has raised concerns that vague or incomplete instructions from ministries are creating significant delays in legislative drafting, which is critical for effective governance.
According to Green, legislation drafting should commence only after ministries provide explicit policy directions. He indicated that his office has often been compelled to draft legislation under tight timelines without the necessary guidance, which could compromise the quality and effectiveness of the laws being developed. “The genesis of the bill should come from the ministries, not from our office. Because you have the expertise within the ministry. We don’t have the expertise,” he emphasized.
Green highlighted that addressing the existing policy gaps within ministries is vital for achieving accountable lawmaking. “While there are unclear instructions, we have also policy gaps. When we receive instructions, there are always gaps in the policy,” he noted. This echoes a broader sentiment that clear communication between legal and policy-making branches is essential for cohesive legislative efforts.
Additionally, Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga pointed out that a recent workshop has been organized to foster better collaboration between his office and various ministries. The aim of the workshop is to reinforce the importance of clear policy guidance and to emphasize teamwork to ensure the laws produced are both effective and accountable.
This call for improved collaboration and clarity in policy development presents a hopeful outlook for governance, indicating a concerted effort to enhance the legislative process. Such initiatives can lead to more robust and impactful laws that serve the needs of the community more effectively.
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