THE state government has delayed introducing changes to the Director of Public Prosecution Laws, amid concerns about new term limits and the potential for political interference in the role.
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Following the axing of former DPP Tim Ellis, the government had promised to limit the role to a 10-year term and to clarify the dismissal protocols.
The bill would allow for the DPP to be suspended with reduced or no pay, and to be removed from office by a motion in both houses of Parliament.
But Law Society of Tasmania president Matthew Verney said he did not agree with a number of provisions in the bill, particularly the suspension provisions.
‘‘The reality is that once suspended, it’s unlikely that someone could ever come back,’’ he said.
‘‘The way to avoid that is for both suspension and dismissal to require a vote in both houses of Parliament, with the need of a three-fifths majority in both houses.’’
‘‘That would remove any potential for the role to be politicised.’’
Mr Verney said he would have preferred to see a 15-year term limit and compulsory retirement at the age of 72.
The government had hoped to introduce the laws this week, but Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin confirmed late on Wednesday that they would be delayed to allow for further consultation.
‘‘These are significant statutory positions that play an integral role in the administration of justice in Tasmania, and it is important that public confidence in these offices is maintained,’’ she said.
‘‘It is important that this feedback is properly considered and taken into account before the bill is finalised.’’
Mr Ellis was sacked by the Governor in January, after being found guilty of negligent driving causing death in a crash that killed Launceston woman Natalia Pearn in 2013.
A replacement for Mr Ellis has been delayed until the new laws pass Parliament.
