Government to advance constitutional reform, major legislative amendments
/ Our Today
administrator
The Government will be advancing constitutional reform towards a Republic and undertaking major amendments to the Sexual Offences and Offences Against the Person Acts, including the introduction of new offences such as stalking, during the new legislative year.
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen detailed the priorities under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs as he delivered the Throne Speech during the 2026/27 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday, February 12.
Other imperatives for 2026/27 include the rehabilitation of damaged courts and other facilities and addressing judicial tenure.
Highlighting achievements in the last legislative year, the Governor General said that a major justice reform agenda was advanced, focused on digital transformation, improved service delivery, and legislative modernisation.
To this end, a US$4.5-million bilateral agreement with Rwanda was signed to implement an Integrated Electronic Case Management System over three years, modernising the courts, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Correctional Services, and related agencies.
He cited achievements under the Restorative Justice Programme, with more than 1,000 conferences concluded and approximately 22,000 individuals sensitised.
“The Victim Services Division assisted over 3,000 new clients, delivered over 8,000 counselling sessions, and supported over 1,000 victims in court. The Child Diversion Programme engaged nearly 7,000 persons, while the Legal Aid Council provided representation to over 2,700 individuals,” he shared.
He said that the strong promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution continues to emphasise avoiding violence in settling disputes.
The Governor-General further informed that Parliament passed amendments increasing penalties for murder through the Offences Against the Person and Criminal Justice Administration Acts.
He noted that legislative priorities progressed, including the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) (Amendment) Bill expanding expungement eligibility; the Mediation Bill establishing a modern regulatory framework aligned with the Singapore Convention; and the Jury (Amendment) Bill, increasing juror stipends and enabling trials to continue in cases of jury tampering.
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