Minister for Justice and Attorney General Davis Steven has urged District Court users to provide feedback on their experiences as part of a concerted effort to raise service standards and reduce the backlog of cases clogging the system.
Speaking at the Magisterial Service Biennial Conference in Port Moresby recently, Mr Steven said it was important that courts minimise delays and respond to public demands for speedier justice.
“Our people want to see in reality justice being delivered, not justice being denied by delayed judgements,” he said.
Attended by senior provincial magistrates, magistrates and clerks of court from around the country, Mr Steven launched two documents aimed at improving the quality and accountability of District Court services – a District Court Service Charter and a District Court Criminal Bench Book. Both are part of the ongoing Transforming District Courts Business plan launched last year.
The Bench Book, a guide for magistrates on the latest principles and procedures in criminal law and the Service Charter which sets out the standards of service District Courts are expected to provide, encourage public feedback on court performance.
Mr Steven welcomed both documents as playing an important role in improving the quality of court services.
“We are going back to the old standard, where magistrates take control and impose legal ethics and decorum on the court and achieve quality justice,” he said.
Acting Chief Magistrate Nerrie Eliakim also urged magistrates to actively manage their courts and ensure that any adjournments and other delays were kept to the minimum.
“I understand that there are matters that are beyond your control, but you have the authority to manage your court, not the prosecutors, not defence lawyers or others,” Ms Eliakim said.
Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor (Legal), Michael McKenzie, praised Magisterial Services for the progress made in implementing its long-term transformation plan, and reaffirmed Australia’s support for efforts to achieve service excellence in the District Court system.
The documents were developed with support from the Australian Government through the PNGAusPartnership.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100
Justice Minister Davis Steven launches the District Court Service Charter at the Magisterial Service Biennial Conference in Port Moresby.