Incomplete documents causing legal delays, says Solicitor-General

Stronger collaboration and streamlined communication are essential to improving legal policy development across government, says Solicitor-General Ropate Green.

Mr Green made the remarks while addressing officials at a recent legal policy development forum in Nadi.

He highlighted recurring challenges in the processing of legal opinions, contracts and policy advice requested by ministries, noting that delays were often misunderstood.

Mr Green said most delays were not caused by the Attorney-General’s Office, but by incomplete documentation or pending instructions from requesting agencies.

“Eighty per cent of the time, documents are either awaiting further particulars, instructions or have not formally reached us,” he said.

He stressed that all requests to the Attorney-General’s Office must be submitted through official memoranda to ensure accountability and proper record-keeping.

“When we are told a matter is with us and it is not, we provide written confirmation to the minister and permanent secretary. If the claim persists, we ask for proof of delivery,” he said.

Mr Green urged ministries to verify information before raising concerns publicly, saying many issues could be resolved with simple communication.

“Our role is to protect government, and in doing so, we protect the people,” he said.
“We must work together to move government objectives forward.”

He said improving legal policy outcomes required clearer priorities, effective policy development and better use of limited resources.

“We need to streamline priorities so we can focus resources on key areas,” he said.

Capacity building was also identified as a priority, with Mr Green acknowledging support from the Australian government in providing training on legal and policy drafting.

“We have been fortunate to receive training support, which is strengthening our internal capability,” he said.

Mr Green also called for stronger working relationships between the Attorney-General’s Office and line ministries, including the appointment of clear points of contact.

“Trust and transparency are essential. Through coordination and collaboration, we can improve policy implementation despite existing challenges,” he said.

Stakeholders are continuing efforts to address shared constraints in legal policy development.