15 November 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Imminent Restoration of Queens Counsels

Monarchy New Zealand is pleased that the title of “Queen’s Counsel” will soon be restored. The Lawyers and Conveyancers Amendment Bill is expected to pass through Parliament this afternoon. Among other things, this bill will restore the title of Queen’s Counsel, used in countries all around the world, to recognise outstanding members of the independent bar.

“It is entirely fitting that this important title is restored in the midst of the highly successful and extremely popular Diamond Jubilee Tour of Prince Charles and Camilla,” says Monarchy New Zealand Chair Dr Sean Palmer. “Thousands of New Zealanders have turned out to meet Their Royal Highnesses and there has been extensive, positive media coverage all over the world.”

“Queen’s Counsel is an internationally recognised title that acknowledges a high standard of achievement in the legal profession and reflects New Zealand’s status as a constitutional monarchy,” said Dr Palmer. Other jurisdictions, such as Queensland, are also making the move to restore the title of Queen’s Council. “It’s nice to see New Zealand leading the way with this positive step forward.”

Monarchy New Zealand congratulates the Government for responding to calls from the legal profession, and from the wider community, for the restoration of the title.

“As we have seen, Prince Charles’ Royal Tour is all about drawing attention to great kiwi institutions and enterprises like the AUT Millennium Centre for Sport and Weta Workshop. Celebrating and honouring success is important. I’m glad that barristers will again have the opportunity to be honoured with the title Queen’s Counsel,” said Dr Palmer.

ENDS

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Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

The ministry says the business has failed to recruit and retain quality staff – and says the kaimahi (caregivers) that have been employed are seriously unsuitable for the job, lacking basic knowledge. But Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau doesn’t get all the blame. The report says there’s a significant gap under disability laws to ensure there’s oversight by qualified clinical professionals. More>>