Chief district court judge Jan-Marie Doogue says proposed changes to the legal aid system could make her duties and those of her colleagues, more difficult.
The justice and electoral committee is considering submissions on the Legal Assistance (Sustainability) Amendment Bill, which proposes to tighten eligibility for legal aid and as well as pay lawyers fixed fees for services.
Judge Jan-Marie Doogue told the committee more people will choose to represent themselves in court, than pay for a lawyer.
She says it will considerably slow down court processes and create more work for district court registrars and judges.
