Legal aid is granted according to the Legal Aid Queensland Act 1997 and guidelines set by the state and federal governments.
Under s 17 of the Act, Legal Aid Queensland may approve an application for legal assistance unconditionally or on conditions that Legal Aid Queensland considers appropriate.
Under s 18 of the Act, a grant of aid can be made subject to a condition that the client make a contribution towards the costs of providing legal services by way of an initial financial contribution or by agreeing to security being taken over property.
Under s 36 of the Act, a grant of aid can be made subject to a condition that the client pay a retrospective contribution if a person’s ownership of or entitlement to property is preserved or the person is entitled to recover property or money.
The Act also permits Legal Aid Queensland to establish other conditions for grants of legal assistance which are set below.