Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Legal Aid Act 1978 - SECT 35

Review of decisions of VLA

35. Review of decisions of VLA



(1) A person who has made a request under section 34(1) in respect of a
decision of VLA or an officer or delegate of VLA and who is dissatisfied with
the result of the reconsideration may apply in writing to VLA within the time
fixed by VLA (being not less than 7 days after the date of the decision) for
the review of the matter by an independent reviewer.

(1A) VLA may waive or extend the time fixed by it in a particular case except
where the request for review relates to a criminal trial or criminal appeal in
the Supreme Court or the County Court.





(2) Upon receipt of an application under subsection (1), the panel chairperson
must appoint an independent reviewer to review the matter and that reviewer
may confirm vary or reverse any decision.



(2A) An independent reviewer-





   (a)  must review only the actual decision referred to him or her for
        review; and



   (b)  in reviewing a decision must comply with and give effect to this Act,
        any legal aid arrangement and the determinations of VLA.



(3) The decision of an independent reviewer under this section is final and
conclusive.