David Noble has been reappointed as Chief Parliamentary Counsel until 6 May next year, Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson announced last week.
The Chief Parliamentary Counsel acts as the principal advisor to the Government and Parliament in their legislative capacities and the Chief Executive of the Parliamentary Counsel Office (PCO), and is responsible for ensuring that PCO provides high quality legislative drafting services and advice to the Government and Parliament.
The Legislation Act 2012 requires the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, under the control of the Attorney-General, to arrange for the publication, printing, and sale of legislation.
In addition, the Chief Parliamentary Counsel is responsible for ensuring that New Zealand legislation is effective, accessible and based on sound legal principles.
“Mr Noble has performed remarkably in this role to date,” Mr Finlayson said.
“His reappointment ensures that PCO will continue to benefit from his specialised experience and expertise.”
With Noble at the helm the PCO has delivered major initiatives such as the New Zealand Legislation system website and database and the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Act 2010.
Noble is supported by other members of the PCO’s Senior Management Team, Fiona Leonard, Paul de Wijze, and Noel Lee. The PCO is also supported by a small legal policy unit.
Noble was first appointed in the role in 2007. He had a brief hiatus in 2013, where he was seconded to the position of Director, Treasury Solicitor’s Department in London, and Bill Moore – who was the Acting Chief Parliamentary Counsel and Compiler of Statutes since September 2011 – stood in for him.
