Legal Assistance Branch

 

Legal Assistance Branch advises the Attorney-General on legal aid policy which is a core element in promoting access to justice for disadvantaged Australians.  The Branch administers funding for the provision of legal aid services for Commonwealth law matters through legal aid commissions and directly manages the provision of financial assistance through several statutory and non-statutory schemes.

The Legal Assistance Branch consists of two sections:

 

Legal Aid Program Section

Legal Aid Program Section is responsible for developing and implementing Australian Government policy on legal aid. The Section administers payments to legal aid commissions in each State and Territory for the provision of legal aid services to disadvantaged persons in respect of Commonwealth law matters. Legal assistance is provided in accordance with Commonwealth Legal Aid Priorities and Guidelines under legal aid agreements between the Commonwealth and the commissions.

For further information: Legal Aid Program

 

Financial Assistance Section

Financial Assistance Section is responsible for administering a number of statutory and non-statutory financial schemes. These schemes exist to provide financial assistance to address matters involving Commonwealth law in circumstances where legal aid is not available from legal aid commissions.

The Attorney-General has delegated power to officers in the Legal Assistance Branch to authorise financial assistance to eligible applicants.

For further information: Financial Assistance Section

 

Contact us

Legal Assistance Branch
Indigenous Justice and Legal Assistance Division
Australian Government
Attorney-General's Department
Robert Garran Offices
National Circuit
BARTON  ACT 2600

Phone: (02) 6218 7020
Facsimile: (02) 6218 6993