Sixty-three legal officers have been upskilled in civil and criminal law following a successful three-day workshop facilitated by the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO).
The workshop was officially opened by the Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Davis Steven, who emphasised the important role of the Public Solicitor’s Office in providing legal aid under the Constitution to fellow Papua New Guineans.
Some of Papua New Guinea’s most senior lawyers, including His Honour, Justice Les Gavara-Nanu, former Justice Goodwin Poole and the Acting Public Solicitor, Leslie Mamu, delivered training in topics including human rights, civil and criminal trial procedure, matrimonial law, estate planning and Supreme Court appeals.
The workshop is part of an ongoing reform program being led by PSO with support from the Australian Government through the Justice Services and Stability for Development Program.
Speaking on behalf of the Australian High Commission, Counsellor Gina Wilson congratulated the Acting Public Solicitor, Leslie Mamu, on the successful workshop.
“I am sure the knowledge gained from this workshop will translate back to the workplace and be reflected in improved professional and technical skills of the lawyers, and more accessible and effective legal services for the people of Papua New Guinea,” Ms Wilson said.
The Public Solicitor’s Office provides legal representation for persons accused of criminal offences and is also responsible for providing legal assistance on a range of issues affecting people in their everyday lives from civil and family disputes to human rights breaches.
(Participants with the Minister for Justice and Attorney General Davis Steven, Justice Goodwin Poole, Counsellor Gina Wilson and Acting Public Solicitor Leslie Mamu)