New funding model to support legal services for Queenslanders

A new funding model will boost accountability and the sustainability of a scheme which supports Queenslanders needing legal services.

Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie has announced plans to implement a new model for the Legal Practitioner Interest on Trust Account Fund (LPITAF), which will also maximise the delivery of frontline legal services. 

“The Fund provides more than $36 million a year in funding to a number of organisations including Legal Aid Queensland, the Bar Association and Community Legal Centres across the state,” Mr Bleijie said.

“These organisations provide important legal services to our community and Queenslanders must be satisfied this money is being used efficiently and as effectively as possible.”

Following a departmental review of the allocation and administration of LPITAF funds, a final report was delivered to the Attorney-General to be considered by the Government.

Mr Bleijie said the final report made a number of recommendations to strengthen the delivery of community legal services and all recommendations would be adopted.

Some of the key recommendations include:

• The identification of strategic objectives for the allocation of the LPITAF funds as Frontline service delivery and Accountability
• The establishment of a LPITAF committee to oversee LPITAF funding allocation processes
• The introduction of a two-stage application process for the allocation of LPITAF funds to community organisations
• The allocation of the majority of LPITAF funds moving from a recurrent basis to strategic triennial allocations under service delivery agreements
• The establishment of a LPITAF website and dedicated section in the Department’s annual report to improve transparency

Mr Bleijie said the new model would boost the delivery of legal assistance services across Queensland and ensure services remained relevant.

“The new model will start in 2014-15 and will help service providers and the government to work together to fix any gaps in delivery and reduce the likelihood of service duplication.”

More information about the Review, including the Final Report, is available at:

http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/corporate/sponsorships-and-grants/grants

Mr Bleijie also said Legal Aid Queensland would receive $19.35 million and Community Legal Centres would receive $7 million from the Fund for the 2013-14 financial year.

“I’d like to congratulate and thank all recipients of this year’s LPITAF funding allocations on the important work they do for our community."

2013/14 LPITAF funding allocations

 [ENDS] 5 April 2013

 Media Contact: Katherine Hornbuckle 0402 862 351