The Legal Services Commission ('the Commission') is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State governments. The Commission was set up in 1979, when it took over the work of the Australian Legal Aid Office and the Law Society Assistance Scheme.

Under the Legal Services Commission Act 1977, the Commission, when deciding who should get legal aid, must have regard to the public interest and the interests of justice [s.10(2)]. The Commission aims to assist those in need to obtain justice by providing a service which makes the law equally accessible to all people in the South Australian community. To satisfy this objective the Commission provides advice, education and legal representation services.

The Commission has regional offices in several Adelaide suburbs and in Whyalla. It also has a Youth Legal Service at the Youth Court. See CONTACT POINTS.

The community education unit is based in its head office. The unit conducts public legal education programs and produces this web site, as well as pamphlets and booklets on various legal topics.

See also our pamphlet Need Legal Help?