Joint State/Commonwealth review of Legal Aid Commission in WA

25/8/95

The Western Australian and Federal Governments are to join forces in a high level review of the Legal Aid Commission in Western Australia.

Announcing the joint review, Attorney General Cheryl Edwardes said the aim of the review was to ensure legal aid dollars were being distributed equitably and that Legal Aid offices were delivering high-quality service.

"The review will also look at a more cost-effective use of Legal Aid resources to ensure that the WA public get the best value for their tax dollar," Mrs Edwardes said.

In the 1994-95 financial year Legal Aid's budget in WA was $22.3 million, 8,170 applicants were granted legal aid, 18,595 people received legal advice, 27,345 people used the duty lawyer services and Legal Aid officers gave telephone advice and referrals to 38,774 callers.

The review will be conducted by a steering committee chaired by Justice Ministry director general David Grant. The other members of the committee will be Legal Aid director Carol Bahemia and Mr Norman Reaburn, deputy secretary with the Commonwealth Attorney General's office.

Federal Justice Minister Duncan Kerr welcomed the review.

"The Federal Government supplies more than half the State's Legal Aid budget, so we are vitally interested in seeing that money spent in the most effective way possible," Mr Kerr said.

"It is especially pleasing that despite traditional Commonwealth/State tensions, we have been able to agree on a co-operative review of the WA Legal Aid Commission that will benefit Western Australians.

"I look forward to working with Mrs Edwardes to put in place the review's recommendations."

The joint venture between WA and the Commonwealth follows a similar Legal Aid Review in Victoria.

Media Contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777