Legal assistance forums projects
As a requirement of the National Legal Assistance Partnership 2020–25 (the NLAP) the Australian Government and all state and territory governments undertake collaborative service planning with the legal assistance sector (the sector) to coordinate and maximise reach of services, and to ensure that services are directed where they are most needed.
The sector recognises Queensland as a national leader in collaborative service planning. As a critical step in driving continuous improvement and fulfilling the state’s obligations under the NLAP, $150,000 of project funding was quarantined by the Queensland Government to be directed towards collaborative service planning initiatives.
Funding is available for each of the regional legal assistance forums (RLAFs) and specialist legal assistance forums (SLAFs) to:
- develop collaborative partnerships to deliver holistic services which address a range of legal and other social needs
- undertake regional and whole-of-sector building activities which better coordinate existing services to maximise efficiency and effectiveness and minimise system and service gaps.
Find more information on Queensland’s RLAFs and SLAFs.
Eligibility and funding amount
Funding of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) is potentially available for this process for all Queensland RLAFs and SLAFs. Contact Legal Assistance Strategy and Funding (LASF) at LASF@justice.qld.gov.au if you are unsure about your eligibility.
How to apply
RLAFs and SLAFs may apply for funding at any time using the Application form. Please refer to the Application guidelines when completing the form.
Projects must be delivered and acquitted by June 2025.
Successful applications
As at 31 December 2023, 7 RLAFs and SLAFs have been provided funding, including the below.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LAF
To conduct a review of mediation services in Queensland for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LAF also received additional funding to deliver a Strategic Planning Day in 2023, to set the strategic direction of the group during a period of significant law reform and systemic change.
Best Practice and Evidence Based LAF
To deliver a First Contact Legal Assistance Workforce Workshop, a one-off training and networking day for first contact staff and volunteers in the sector.
Children and Families LAF
To deliver a training day for legal practitioners who practice in family law, domestic and family violence, and child protection matters. The training is scheduled to occur in 2024 and will include keynote speakers on emerging and relevant areas of law.
Mackay RLAF
To commission an Indigenous artist to develop branding for the Mackay RLAF.
Mental Health and Disability LAF
To undertake a project exploring early, non-adversarial alternatives to guardianship and administration proceedings.
North Queensland RLAF
To deliver a 4-day legal information fair in Townsville Men’s and Townsville Women’s Correctional Centres, to provide prisoners with a holistic opportunity to connect with different legal and non-legal services, to help overcome the barriers created by incarceration.
Sunshine Coast RLAF
Delivered Law at the Beach on 18 June 2022, a one-off event bringing legal and other allied services to the community in a single location. The event was supported by a wide range of stakeholders and raised awareness of organisations that provide free legal and allied services on the Sunshine Coast.