The State Solicitor’s Office has been transitioned into an independent sub-department of the Department of Justice.
Announcing the move, Attorney General, John Quigley (pictured) said it cemented the independence and autonomy of the 183-year-old institution and was considered legal best practice.
“The State Solicitor’s Office provides legal advice on matters of high risk; it is the principal legal advisor to Cabinet and Government and therefore its integrity is of the utmost importance,” Mr Quigley said.
“This move is in line with the Western Australian Public Sector reform priorities of transparency and accountability.”
He said the move would address perceptions about impartiality, conflicts of interest and integrity, and had the wide support of the legal profession, including the Solicitor General and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Quigley said the transition followed the 2018 Special Inquiry into Government Programs and Projects, otherwise known as the Langoulant Report.
The Attorney General said the Report recommended the status of the State Solicitor’s Office would be enhanced by creating it as a separate office.
“This move further cements the independence of the State Solicitor’s Office and brings it into line with other jurisdictions,” he said.
Mr Quigley said implementing the Langoulant Report recommendations was supported by the Government and the Attorney General’s office.
The 589-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
