Queensland Consolidated Acts

LEGAL AID QUEENSLAND ACT 1997 - SECT 44

44 Other functions

(1) Legal Aid’s other functions are—

(a) to ensure that its activities are carried out consistently with, and do not prejudice, the independence of the legal profession; and

(b) to liaise, cooperate and, if it considers it desirable, make reciprocal arrangements with the following—

(i) other legal aid entities;

(ii) professional entities representing private lawyers;

(iii) other entities engaged or interested in giving legal assistance in the State or elsewhere; and

(c) to liaise with professional entities representing private lawyers to facilitate the use, in appropriate circumstances, of services provided by private lawyers; and

(d) to make maximum use of services offered, on a voluntary basis, by Legal Aid service providers; and

(e) to make its services available to persons eligible for legal assistance by establishing the local offices, and making other arrangements, it considers appropriate; and

(f) to arrange for the provision of duty lawyer services at court sittings in the State as it considers appropriate; and

(g) to endeavour to secure the services of language interpreters, marriage counsellors, mediators, welfare officers and other appropriate persons to help legally assisted persons in matters for which they are legally assisted; and

(h) to the extent Legal Aid considers it appropriate, to encourage and allow law students to participate, on a voluntary basis and under professional supervision, in giving legal assistance by Legal Aid lawyers.

(2) Under a legal assistance arrangement, Legal Aid may give financial assistance to community legal centres or other entities in the State for legal assistance.

(3) In performing the function mentioned in subsection (2) , Legal Aid must have regard to the amounts received, or likely to be received by, Legal Aid under this Act.