Minister promises action on JPS bill

Associate Justice Minister Clayton Cosgrove is promising action on a bill to update the law for Justices of the Peace.

The Justices of the Peace Amendment Bill would amend the 1957 Act making changes to training, discipline and retirement.

Mr Cosgrove defended the lack of action in the area when he spoke at the Royal Federation of NZ Justices' Associations conference today.

"I want to make it clear that I have never expressed the view as has been reported, that the bill had 'no likelihood' of being introduced to the House in the foreseeable future."

Mr Cosgrove said he had "battled" to get the legislation onto the Government's programme for the year and said he aimed to get a first reading and select committee consideration by the end of the year.

He said MMP and the Government's promises to support parties put pressure on the legislative programme.

Non controversial changes, such as provisions on retirement and training, may be able to be included in the annual Statutes Amendment Bill.

- NZPA