The Minister for Justice and Legal Affairs, Clezy Rore, has formally resigned from the Cabinet, citing a “systemic breakdown” in government consultation processes and deep-seated inequities within the justice sector.

Mr. Rore, the MP for North Vella la Vella, announced his departure following a contentious decision regarding the remuneration of the Attorney-General.

According to the outgoing Minister, the decision to set the Attorney-General’s salary at approximately $35,000 per fortnight was finalized without his involvement, despite his role as the line Minister responsible for the justice portfolio.

In a formal statement, Mr. Rore clarified that his resignation is a matter of constitutional principle rather than personal opposition to the appointee.

 “I can no longer continue to serve in a Cabinet where decisions directly affecting the justice sector are made without consultation with the Minister responsible,” Rore stated.

He argued that his oversight of the sector should have made him a central figure in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of such a significant constitutional office holder.

Rore added while the  Attorney-General’s office has received substantial remuneration adjustments, other critical figures including the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Public Solicitor, members of the judiciary, and government legal counsel have seen their terms remain unchanged despite long-standing advocacy for reform.

Rore also said  the integrity of the nation’s legal system is at risk if conditions are improved for only one office while the rest of the sector is neglected.

He also  called for a transparent, structured approach to remuneration that supports all legal professionals, which he believes is essential for retaining expert talent and maintaining the rule of law.

Rore said his resignation was about doing the right thing for the government and the law.

He insisted that the justice system must be treated fairly, not by picking favorites or making decisions in secret.