185Legal assistance

#### 185 Legal assistance (1) A person who: (a) has instituted, or proposes to institute, a proceeding before a magistrate or a court under this Act or in respect of detention under this Act; or (b) is, or will be, a party to such a proceeding; or (c) is, or will be, giving evidence or producing documents or other articles at such a proceeding; may apply to the Attorney‑General for assistance under this section in respect of the proceeding. (2) If the Attorney‑General is satisfied that: (a) it would involve hardship to the person to refuse the application; and (b) in all the circumstances, it is reasonable that the application be granted; the Attorney‑General may authorise provision by the Commonwealth to the person of such legal or financial assistance in relation to the proceeding as the Attorney‑General determines. (3) The assistance may be granted unconditionally or subject to such conditions as the Attorney‑General determines.