I provided Legal Aid with proof of my redundancy and asked them to reconsider their decision that I could afford a lawyer. They replied and said they are sticking with their original decision. Can I appeal this to anyone?
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Answer by Lisa Wulfsohn, Malvern 3144 VIC
- If Legal Aid refuses to change its decision you can apply to have it reviewed by an ‘independent reviewer’. The process of applying for an independent review is as follows:
- you must request an independent review within 21 days of the date of Legal Aid’s refusal to change their decision letter; and
- your request must be in writing.
- Independent reviewers are a panel of paid reviewers that are appointed by the state Attorney-General.
- An independent reviewer can confirm, change or reverse a decision made by Legal Aid.
- Legal Aid provides the independent reviewer with all the relevant information that you have provided.
- The decision of an independent reviewer is final and conclusive.