20 February 2025
The Law Society of Western Australia has welcomed today’s announcement by Opposition Leader Libby Mettam that, if elected, the Liberal Party will commit to critical reforms to protect older Australians, as well as the establishment of a Judicial Commission in Western Australia.
The announcement comes after years of Law Society advocacy on these key issues, and an invitation to all political parties to commit to a range of recommendations raised in the Law Society’s State Election Campaign in the lead up to next month’s election.
At a press conference today, Ms Mettam said a Liberal Government would urgently legislate to change laws around enduring powers of attorney and guardianship.
Law Society President Gary Mack welcomed the commitment, saying:
“Elder and succession law in Western Australia is very complex. It is a critical area of law that has a direct impact on the lives of all Western Australians.
“The Law Society has long advocated for legislative action to protect vulnerable people making decisions about the management of their finances and health. The Society has endorsed practical amendments to the rules around enduring powers of attorney to mandate attorneys having their signatures witnessed by authorised persons, and requiring attorneys to acknowledge that they understand their obligations to protect the person giving them these powers.”
Shadow Attorney General Nick Goiran announced that a Liberal Government would commit $4 million annually to the establishment of a Judicial Commission.
Mr Mack said the commitment is heartening after so many years of urging governments to bring our State into line with many other jurisdictions by establishing a Commission to ensure public confidence in the judiciary.
“The Law Society strongly believes that a Judicial Commission will bring significant benefits to everyone who has a stake in our justice system. The power of the Commission will be its ability to enhance public confidence and transparency in the administration of justice, help achieve consistency in criminal sentencing, and provide continuing education and training for judicial officers to build capacity and capability across our court network.”
Enquiries: cchaffey@lawsocietywa.asn.au or 0410 979 827.
