6Functions and powers

6 Functions and powers

(1) The functions of VLA are—

(a) to provide legal aid in accordance with this Act;

S. 6(1)(ab) inserted by No. 15/2018 s. 13(1).

(ab) to coordinate, and undertake strategic planning for, the provision of legal aid by—

(i) VLA; and

(ii) subject to subsection (1A), community legal services; and

(iii) private legal practitioners by arrangement with VLA;

S. 6(1)(ac) inserted by No. 15/2018 s. 13(1).

(ac) subject to subsection (1B), to coordinate the provision of legal assistance information, including by facilitating the expansion of the provision of that information as appropriate;

S. 6(1)(b) amended by No. 39/2022
s. 844(1).

(b) to control and administer the Fund;

S. 6(1)(c) inserted by No. 39/2022
s. 844(2).

(c) to provide advocacy services other than in connection with legal services;

Example

Non-legal mental health advocacy services within the meaning of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022.

S. 6(1)(d) inserted by No. 39/2022
s. 844(2).

(d) to coordinate, and participate in, strategic planning for the provision of services of a kind referred to in paragraph (c) by VLA and other bodies.

S. 6(1A) inserted by No. 15/2018 s. 13(2).

(1A) VLA does not have the function of coordinating, and undertaking strategic planning for, the provision of legal aid in Victoria by—

(a) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service (Victoria) ABN 47 125 370 108; or

(b) Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Co-operative Ltd ABN 45 926 675 900; or

(c) any other organisation (whether incorporated or not) that holds itself out as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service.

S. 6(1B) inserted by No. 15/2018 s. 13(2).

(1B) VLA does not have the function of coordinating the provision of legal assistance information in Victoria by an entity referred to in subsection (1A).

(2) VLA may—

(a) in co-operation with a government department or body concerned with social service or social welfare, arrange measures and take steps that may be conducive to meeting the need for legal aid in the community;

(b) enter into arrangements from time to time with a body or person with respect to any investigation, study or research that, in the opinion of VLA, is necessary or desirable for the purposes of this Act;