Ministers impressed by judge register idea

Chris Finlayson. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Judges could be required to publicly disclose their financial interests after government ministers expressed support for the idea after the resignation of former Supreme Court judge Bill Wilson.

Green MP Kennedy Graham's member's bill to set up a register similar to that for MPs was drawn from the ballot box yesterday to be considered by Parliament.

Attorney-General Chris Finlayson and Police Minister Judith Collins said they were still considering Dr Graham's bill but agreed there was merit in setting up a register for judges to set out their financial interests.

It follows the resignation of Justice Wilson, who was facing judicial conduct investigations over claims he had not adequately disclosed his business relationship with a lawyer on a case he sat on.

Yesterday Mr Finlayson said he would discuss the issue with judges and Dr Graham.

"Having judges or candidates for judicial appointment turning their mind to assets they have and situations where they could be potentially in a conflict is not a bad thing.

"That's the kind of issue I'm very keen to explore."

Although he had concerns about basing it on the MPs' list, as proposed by Dr Graham's bill, a register could be considered in any changes to the Judicature Act which the Law Commission was at present reviewing.

Dr Graham said a register would make the justice system more transparent for the public as well as help judges avoid accusations such as those faced by Mr Wilson.

"The messy situation around former Justice Bill Wilson could have been avoided had New Zealand had a register. The primary purpose is to protect the judiciary by relieving each judge of the onerous and somewhat subjective burden of determining whether a conflict of interest exists with regard to each particular case."

Judges would be required to make annual declarations which would be publicly available.

Ms Collins - who acted as Attorney-General in the Wilson matter - said she had not seen Dr Graham's bill but believed a register was a good idea not just for the public but also for the judiciary.

"I actually think it's important for judges to know what other judges' interests might be. I think it's very important the issue is addressed, whether it's through Kennedy's bill or some other way, I think it should be addressed."

Mr Finlayson stepped aside from his role as Attorney-General on matters relating to Justice Wilson because of his own business relationship with him.

The idea has also won support from Labour.

Shadow Attorney-General David Parker said he expected the party would support the bill to select committee to allow it to be considered in detail.