Legal Aid Turns 40

Legal Aid in Australia is celebrating its 40th birthday this month.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC, Chief Justice of the Victorian Supreme Court Marilyn Warren and other members of the legal profession celebrated the important milestone at a function at the Supreme Court of Victoria this morning.

“The establishment of the Australian Legal Aid Office on 25 July 1973 began the Australian Government’s involvement in providing legal assistance funding to the most disadvantaged people in our society,” Mr Dreyfus said.

“The committed staff of the legal assistance services work to provide a fair go under the law for all Australians and, assisted by the important contributions of the private legal profession, are helping us to build a more just nation.”

The Australian Legal Aid Office was the precursor to the eight state and territory Legal Aid Commissions in operation today.

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