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shakna a day ago

LegalAid (and other state-based services), actually do not need to make sure they're taking the cases with the best prospects for success. Because they're a state service.

The problem is more one of proximity to a city where they're based, rather than one of cash, or one of being an Australian citizen - the service is only for citizens.

cube00 a day ago | parent [-]

> The problem is more one of proximity to a city where they're based

I disagree, demand is outstripping supply.

Only 8% of households meet the tests for accessing Legal Aid and I'm not convinced in the current cost of living crisis the remaining 92% have enough spare cash to spend on lawyers.

The volume and complexity of legal issues in the community continues to outpace any growth in Legal Aid’s ability to respond.

In Victoria, the Public Understanding of Law Survey found that for every 10 respondents there are over 12 legal problems, with over half of those problems needing legal assistance that is not available.

Despite this growing demand, the report warns of a “justice deficit” with only eight per cent of households across Australia meeting the strict income and assets tests for accessing Legal Aid. [1]

[1]: https://nationallegalaid.org.au/policy-and-advocacy/reports/...

shakna 20 hours ago | parent [-]

Probably better to point to the actual independent review [0].

Point number two of which, is "There are parts of Australia where there are little or no legal assistance services provided to disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Governments should work with service providers and organisations like Victoria Law Foundation and the NSW Law and Justice Foundation to better understand these geographic areas of legal need and the nature and cost of the services needed to efficiently fill these gaps."

A large number of those unable to be serviced, are in fact, a question of proximity.

[0] https://www.ag.gov.au/legal-system/publications/independent-...