Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Legal Aid Act 1978 - SECT 6

Functions and powers

6. Functions and powers



(1) The functions of VLA are-

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

   (b)  to control and administer the Fund.

(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;

   (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;

   (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.