LEGAL AID ACT 1978 - SECT 6 Functions and powers

LEGAL AID ACT 1978 - SECT 6

    (1)     The functions of VLA are—

        (a)     to provide legal aid in accordance with this Act;

S. 6(1)(ab) inserted by No. 15/2018 s. 13(1).

        (ab)     to coordinate, and undertake strategic planning for, the provision of legal aid by—

              (i)     VLA; and

              (ii)     subject to subsection (1A), community legal services; and

              (iii)     private legal practitioners by arrangement with VLA;

S. 6(1)(ac) inserted by No. 15/2018 s. 13(1).

        (ac)     subject to subsection (1B), to coordinate the provision of legal assistance information, including by facilitating the expansion of the provision of that information as appropriate;

S. 6(1)(b) amended by No. 39/2022

s. 844(1).

        (b)     to control and administer the Fund;

S. 6(1)(c) inserted by No. 39/2022

s. 844(2).

        (c)     to provide advocacy services other than in connection with legal services;

Example

Non-legal mental health advocacy services within the meaning of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022 .

S. 6(1)(d) inserted by No. 39/2022

s. 844(2).

        (d)     to coordinate, and participate in, strategic planning for the provision of services of a kind referred to in paragraph (c) by VLA and other bodies.

S. 6(1A) inserted by No. 15/2018 s. 13(2).

    (1A)     VLA does not have the function of coordinating, and undertaking strategic planning for, the provision of legal aid in Victoria by—

        (a)     Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service (Victoria) ABN 47 125 370 108; or

        (b)     Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

Co-operative Ltd ABN 45 926 675 900; or

        (c)     any other organisation (whether incorporated or not) that holds itself out as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service.

S. 6(1B) inserted by No. 15/2018 s. 13(2).

    (1B)     VLA does not have the function of coordinating the provision of legal assistance information in Victoria by an entity referred to in subsection (1A).

    (2)     VLA may—

        (a)     in co-operation with a government department or body concerned with social service or social welfare, arrange measures and take steps that may be conducive to meeting the need for legal aid in the community;

        (b)     enter into arrangements from time to time with a body or person with respect to any investigation, study or research that, in the opinion of VLA, is necessary or desirable for the purposes of this Act;

        (c)     make recommendations to or through the Attorney-General with respect to any reforms of the law the desirability for which has come to its attention in the course of performing its functions;

        (d)     initiate and carry out educational programs designed to promote an understanding by the public, and by sections of the public who have special needs in this respect, of their rights, powers, privileges and duties under the laws in force in the State;

        (e)     undertake research into all aspects of legal aid including new methods of financing and providing legal aid;

S. 6(2)(f) amended by No. 93/1998

s. 16(1)(a).

        (f)     subject to and in accordance with any agreement or arrangement made between the Commonwealth and the State under section 49, provide financial assistance to voluntary legal aid bodies in the State in respect of the provision of legal aid;

S. 6(2)(fa) inserted by No. 93/1998

s. 16(1)(b).

        (fa)     subject to this Act, enter into legal aid arrangements and provide legal aid in accordance with those arrangements;

        (g)     do all things necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.

S. 6(3) inserted by No. 55/2009

s. 53, substituted by No. 82/2012 s. 163(1).

    (3)     VLA may enter into arrangements to provide legal services—

S. 6(3)(a) amended by Nos 82/2012 s. 310, 30/2016 s. 82(a).

        (a)     on behalf of the prescribed person referred to in section 151 of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 , to applicants for legal assistance under that section;

        (b)     on behalf of the Secretary to the Department of Justice, to other persons.

S. 6(4) inserted by No. 55/2009

s. 53, amended by Nos 82/2012 s. 163(2), 30/2016 s. 82(b).

    (4)     If an arrangement is entered into under subsection (3)(a), VLA may carry out the functions of the prescribed person under section 151 of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission Act 2011 .

S. 6(5) inserted by No. 55/2009

s. 53.

    (5)     An arrangement entered into under subsection (3)(b) requires the prior approval of the Attorney‑General.

S. 6(6) inserted by No. 55/2009

s. 53.

    (6)     Parts V, VI, VIA, VIB and VII do not apply to the provision of legal services under an arrangement entered into under subsection (3).

S. 7

substituted by No. 48/1995 s. 6, amended by No. 55/2009 s. 54 (ILA s. 39B(1)).