THE state government is considering abolishing committal hearings as part of a dramatic overhaul of the criminal justice system that critics say could have a disastrous impact on the courts, resulting in further delays and fewer convictions.

Attorney-General Robert Clark has held talks with the courts, the Director of Public Prosecutions and Legal Aid in recent weeks over the costs and backlogs caused by what he called the ''unnecessary examination of cases'' at committal. Possible reforms include tightening committal laws so fewer cases go to trial, restricting cross-examination of witnesses and scrapping the system of preliminary hearings - which has historically underpinned the rights of the accused to avert a full trial in weak cases.

Illustration: Matt Golding.

Chief Magistrate Ian Gray, who was involved in the recent discussions, said Mr Clark had a ''reform agenda'' to reduce pressure on the criminal justice system, and all options ''ought to be on the table''.

''He [Mr Clark] is very concerned to help the courts reduce delay, backlog and wastage and inefficiency,'' Mr Gray said. But removing committals would be a "drastic move", taking away the court's capacity to "filter out weak cases" and the right of the accused to test evidence before it went before a jury, he said.