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Is the Government considering privatising Crown Law Office functions, beyond the existing conduct public prosecutions, to private firms; if so, what functions? and 4 other questions

Answered 5 questions (2026)
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Asked by

Vanushi Walters

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 40644

    Is the Government considering privatising Crown Law Office functions, beyond the existing conduct public prosecutions, to private firms; if so, what functions?

  • 40654

    Has there been a review initiated, recommended, or considered into the role or functions of the Crown Law Office; if yes, what is the timeline for the review?

  • 40655

    Has there been a review initiated, recommended, or considered, into the role or functions of the Crown Law Office; if yes, what process has been followed about the appointment(s) of the reviewer(s)?

  • 40656

    Is there an ongoing review into the role or functions of the Crown Law Office; if yes, who is conducting the review?

  • 40657

    What reviews, if any, have been initiated into the role or functions of the Crown Law Office by the Government between 1 December 2023 and today; listed by title and date?

Answered by

Hon Chris Bishop

Member for Hutt South · National Party · Attorney-General

Answer

An independent Performance Improvement Review (PIR) of Crown Law initiated in June 2026 is currently underway. The review was commissioned by the Solicitor-General and is being carried out by the Public Service Commission. The review is assessing Crown Law's performance and identifying opportunities for improvement. It is focussed on the organisation’s capability, productivity and readiness for the opportunities and challenges it is likely to face over the next five years. It undertakes a high-level examination of the current operating model, client and legal professional service strategy, people and technological resources, and positioning for the future. The questions at the heart of the review are: - What are the future opportunities for Crown Law and therefore, what is the performance challenge and leadership approach required? - Assuming Crown Law meets the future performance challenge, what will success as a professional service organisation look like in five years? - As the organisation continues to operate in increasingly complex legal, technological and fiscal environments, what new capabilities and ways of working (including for lawyers and support staff) might be required? The reviewers, Debra Francis and Michael Hodge, were appointed by the Public Service Commission in accordance with its process for conducting Performance Improvement Reviews. The review report is expected to be released by the Public Service Commission by the end of September 2026.