The Chief Executive in Council has accepted the Standing Committee on Judicial Salaries & Conditions of Service's recommendations on the institutional framework and mechanism in determining judicial remuneration.

The Government said today the acceptance confirms its commitment to upholding judicial independence and strengthens the administration of justice.

Independent body

The committee suggested an independent body be formed to advise on judicial remuneration. It should comprise seven non-official members, with a practising solicitor and barrister, but no serving or retired judges. It should adopt a balanced and transparent approach and make its recommendations public.

The existing standing committee will be expanded to perform the functions intended for the independent body.

To give an important institutional guarantee for the Judiciary's financial security, the Government will introduce legislation to provide a standing appropriation to meet judicial salary payments.

While recognising the need to avoid political pressure on judicial staff through salary cuts, the committee does not consider it essential to prohibit cuts in judicial remuneration.

Interim arrangements

The new system will be implemented so the expanded committee will offer its advice in time for the 2009-10 pay adjustment.

An interim arrangement will be adopted for the 2008-09 judicial service pay adjustment, with the current pay differentials between the civil service and judicial staff being taken into account.

Pay reductions applied to the civil service in 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05 will be permanently set aside in considering judicial service pay adjustments this year and in the future.

Committee chairman Christopher Cheng said he welcomed the Chief Executive-in-Council's decision and looked forward to implementing the recommendations.