Our organisation
Tasmania Legal Aid is an independent statutory body set up by the Legal Aid Commission Act 1990 (Tas). We commenced operation on 1 January 1991. Tasmania Legal Aid operates at arms-length from Government but is accountable to the Minister for Justice. We are the largest government-funded legal assistance service in Tasmania and we play a central role in providing access to justice for disadvantaged Tasmanians. The Commission is governed by a Board of five and has a staff of 84 full-time employees.
Our purpose
- To provide legal services to help Tasmanians understand their rights, navigate the system to resolve their legal issues, and get the assistance they need.
- To support and advocate for vulnerable and marginalised Tasmanians.
- To work with our clients, staff, legal partners and community to improve the legal system.
Our values
The values that drive our choices are:
Honesty
- We communicate openly and clearly.
- We provide clear, accurate and realistic advice; are accountable to our clients,
- our partners and our community.
Courage
- We speak up, listen to different views, and willingly take on feedback.
- We advocate for our clients, our sector and our organisation; are open to
new ideas and adaptable to change.
Engagement
- We are involved in the design of services, programs and policies.
- We are committed to the best outcomes for our clients and our community;
and work collaboratively with our partners and our clients.
Our Focus
- Children
- Family Violence
- Wellbeing and Resilience
Our focus is the lens through which we approach planning and service delivery across our full range of services. Most of our work – across civil, criminal and family law – involves children, and family violence in its broadest context. In this way, we will develop a systemic organisational response to improve our services for children, to respond to family violence, and to build the skills, wellbeing and resilience of our clients, staff and legal partners.