A former Solicitor General is calling on the Government to explore an online justice system to replace low level civil court disputes.

Mike Heron says an online system is a “no brainer” and would cut down wait times and court costs.

He would like to see an online system replace the Disputes Tribunal and eventually expand to cover almost all disputes.

Heron told Francesca Rudkin that Canada has seen great success with their own system.

He says that the current system is too complex and difficult for some people to access.

"Online enables you to not only allows you to sort out the dispute by formal methods, but also to help people resolve it themselves. A lot more information at the start, a lot more ability to facilitate a resolution, and if you need to, you have the ability to go to an online hearing."

Heron says that people can deal with these issues outside of work hours. 

The issues Heron imagines being dealt with would be low level industrial, property and ACC claims. 

He says that there are forms that people can fill out that and ask questions of someone who replies. 

"It's not overly complex but it's very focused on the user and very human designed developed." 

Heron says that the system at the moment is very 'place' oriented, and it needs to be seen more as a service. 

He says that it is less stressful to deal with some of these matters online. 

LISTEN TO MIKE HERON TALK WITH FRANCESCA RUDKIN ABOVE