Queensland not signing up to National Legal Profession Reform

The Newman Government has today announced it will not sign up to the National Legal Profession Reforms.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie has decided the move to a national scheme was not in the best interest of the Queensland legal profession as a whole.

“The national legal reform creates an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, which this State doesn’t need,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Approximately 85 per cent of Queensland solicitors are sole practitioners and they have nothing to gain from these reforms other than increased costs.

“These reforms will require the establishment of a national board to regulate the legal profession, adding an unnecessary level of red tape.

“The cost of setting up this board is also vague and would be passed on to the participating states.

“If we proceed we will also see the establishment of a national legal service Commissioner, again creating an unnecessary duplication.

“The Newman Government believes in competitive federalism and the ability to make its own decisions in the best interest of Queenslanders.

“At the end of the day, only New South Wales and Victoria have indicated their willingness to participate in the scheme so it will never be a national reform.

“If New South Wales and Victoria proceed, then we will look to work with other States in the future and consider any specific model laws, which are in the best interest of this State’s legal profession.”

Media contact: Lisa O'Donnell - 0400 986 432 or Matt Johnston - 0432 535 893