26 September 2023

New body for vulnerables’ needs

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The Department of Justice has called for tenders for an independent body to assess The State’s legal needs in the area of disadvantaged people.

Director General at the Department, Adam Tomison said the body would use the information gathered to develop a State-wide Legal Assistance Strategy.

“The strategy will be used to map the legal assistance services required in Western Australia and to guide funding needs,” Dr Tomison said.

“This is a requirement of the National Legal Assistance Partnership (NLAP) between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories which took effect last year.”

He said the NLAP was the instrument for Commonwealth funding of legal assistance services delivered by legal aid commissions, community legal centres and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services.

“The successful tenderer will produce a WA Legal Needs Report, which in addition to informing funding will also help identify unmet needs,” Dr Tomison said.

“The Department believes that an independent body is best placed to document legal need and provide a thorough analysis of what data and other factors must be considered.”

He said the Department wanted to ensure vulnerable and disadvantaged people could access appropriate and timely legal assistance irrespective of where they lived in the State.

“The Government is working closely with legal assistance providers to match the right mix of services with the needs of the communities they serve,” the Director General said.

The closing date for tenders is 28 September.

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