The Legal Aid Commission in Fiji is facing significant challenges as it grapples with a rising number of cases while dealing with a critical shortage of staff. This issue was highlighted in the findings presented by the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defence during a debate on the Consolidated Review Report of the 2018 to 2023 Legal Aid Commission Annual Report.
Committee chairperson Lenora Qereqeretabua pointed out that the overwhelming workload is particularly detrimental, with each lawyer currently handling approximately 121 cases in 2024. This situation has become increasingly dire due to staff shortages across the commission’s various offices.
Over the review period from 2018 to 2023, the commission received a total of 20,753 applications, primarily in family matters, with a significant volume of criminal cases as well. The number of applications decreased in subsequent years, but the demand for legal assistance remains high.
The report also revealed fluctuation in staffing numbers. The commission employed 188 staff in 2018-2019 and saw fluctuations down to 176 by 2021-2022 before rising again to 212 in 2022-2023. However, the turnover rate has been concerning, with resignations peaking at 44 in the last reported year. This high turnover is exacerbated by the discrepancies in salary between the Legal Aid Commission and other government legal bodies like the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), leading to calls for fair remuneration to retain experienced legal professionals.
Minister Filimoni Vosarogo emphasized the worrying implications of high caseloads on the quality of legal representation, suggesting that lawyers handling such a volume of cases may not provide adequate attention to each matter. He called for an increased budget and fair compensation for those working at the Legal Aid Commission, echoing the sentiments shared by Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who suggested a bonus system to reward Legal Aid lawyers for their hard work.
The acknowledgment from government officials regarding the need for reform and better support for the Legal Aid Commission signifies a crucial recognition of the challenges lawyers face and the potential paths for meaningful improvements within Fiji’s legal system. As discussions continue, there is hope for enhanced working conditions, better compensation, and ultimately a more effective legal framework that can better serve the community.
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