Monarchist League of New Zealand

As anticipated, the new Lawyers and Conveyancers Bill, introduced into Parliament on Tuesday, proposes to rename Queen's Counsel "Senior Counsel".

The Hon Phil Goff, MP, Minister of Justice, tells us that those eligible to be appointed to the position will be expanded to include all litigators, not simply those at the separate Bar, and there will be greater transparency in the appointment process.

Both of these changes would bring the office into line with current arrangements in the UK and Canada. But could he tell us why the office is to be renamed? Could it have anything to do with the Government's scarcely secret republican agenda?

There can be no other credible explanation than a desire to remove another royal link. Doubtless many would argue that the name isn't important. But "QC" is a well-known and understood brand of excellence. "SC" would be almost worthless.

Dr Noel Cox

Chairman

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