THE Legal Aid Commission spent approximately $2.1million on 22 new vehicles between January 2023 and July 2026 as part of a fleet replacement and strengthening program.
Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, in a written response tabled in Parliament, said nine vehicles were purchased during 2023 and 2024, with another 13 bought in 2025 to meet the commission’s growing operational requirements.
Based on the individual purchase prices provided to Parliament, the 22 vehicles cost a combined $2,098,694.48.
The most expensive was a Toyota Hilux double cab 2.8l high spec, purchased in December 2023 for $122,900.
This was followed by a Toyota Hilux double cab purchased for $117,195.65 in September 2025. Three Kia Sorento seven-seaters, purchased in August 2025, cost $99,000 each, making them the next three most expensive individual vehicles on the list.
Mr Turaga said the purchases needed to be viewed in the context of Legal Aid’s nationwide responsibilities.
“The purchase of 22 vehicles must, therefore, be considered in the context of the commission’s nationwide service-delivery responsibilities and the need to maintain a dependable fleet for day-to-day operations,” he said.
A major operational requirement was the first hour procedure, under which Legal Aid provides legal assistance within the first hour of a person being detained at a police station or post.
Mr Turaga said officers were required to travel to police facilities throughout the country, while also undertaking awareness and outreach activities in rural and maritime areas.
“The commission’s approach to vehicle acquisition was not based on the initial purchase price alone,” he said.
The response said 18 older vehicles were disposed of through tender, while one Ford Ranger twin cab was written off following an accident.
