Legal Assistance Branch
The 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, community legal centres and directly manages the provision of financial assistance through several statutory and non-statutory schemes.
The Legal Assistance Branch consists of three sections:
The Legal Aid Program Section
The Legal Aid Program Section is responsible for the development and maintenance of priorities and guidelines issued by the Attorney-General for the provision of legal representation in Commonwealth law matters, and administers the legal aid agreements between the Federal and State/Territory Governments for the provision of legal services by State and Territory legal aid commissions.
The Community Legal Services Section
The Community Legal Services Section is responsible for administering the Australian Government’s Community Legal Services Program. The Community Legal Services Program aims to facilitate access to high quality community legal services for the disadvantaged in the Australian community. The Section is responsible for monitoring the performance and financial accountability of organisations funded under the program. In partnership with State Program Managers, the Section aims to foster continuous improvement in the program with a focus on client-centred outputs, quality services and timely and comprehensive reporting to ensure accountability to the Parliament, through the Attorney-General, and to the public.
The Financial Assistance Section
The Financial Assistance Section is responsible for administering the 16 statutory and nine 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.
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
Assistant Secretary: Albin Smrdel
Phone: (02) 6250 6928
