The ongoing challenges of high workloads and limited drafting capacity within the government are significantly impacting the timely delivery of legal services and necessary reforms. Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has highlighted the overwhelming volume of legal requests managed by the Attorney-General’s Office, noting that they can receive up to 500 requests for legal opinions in just one week. This considerable workload often leads to delays, particularly when the information provided lacks the necessary detail.
Turaga emphasized that the focus is not solely on drafting new laws but also on enhancing the overall legal process. He expressed optimism that by 2026, there would be a more stable framework regarding new legislation. Acknowledging the necessity for continuous review of laws, he pointed out that this is essential for government efficiency. He noted that ministries sometimes face operational roadblocks due to existing legal constraints.
In addition to Turaga’s comments, Solicitor-General Ropate Green warned that the legislative drafting system is currently operating under significant pressure. With a mere nine legislative drafters allocated to serve 29 ministries, he raised concerns over the capacity to manage complex bills effectively. Junior drafters are often tasked with intricate financial, health-related, and infrastructure legislation, further stretching the system’s limits.
Green advocated for enhanced coordination and clarity in drafting instructions, as well as a long-term commitment to building drafting capacity. He believes that such improvements are crucial for ensuring laws remain efficient and effectively support government operations. The situation calls for immediate attention to better equip the legal drafting process for the challenges ahead.
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