Preferred supplier update — April 2023
This month:
DPSOA fee structure review
In the State Budget 2022–23, LAQ received additional funding for the structural reform of fees.
As part of LAQ’s current program for reviewing grants processes, a new grant/fee structure for dangerous prisoner matters has been implemented for grants of aid issued on or after 17 April 2023.
The new fee structure provides:
- a single response for all Crown applications
- an additional preparation grant for extraordinary matters
- aspects of work that were not included in the previous model such as:
- exceptional circumstances appearances
- court mandated review/mentions
- a final hearing grant.
The model also retains:
- a merit tested grant for respondent applications to amend orders
- additional court days
- merit assessment and appeal grants
- access to expensive case grants in exceptionally large and complex matters.
The fees for contraventions, extensions and annual reviews have also been increased and one grant of aid will be used for all Crown applications to simplify the grants of aid process and recognise the similar work requirements across the application categories.
The Grants Handbook has been updated with the grants of aid available. View the new fee structure here.
If you have any queries about this amendment, please contact your Grants Team.
Grants e-learning module
Have you viewed our online training package developed for our preferred suppliers and their support staff which provides an overview on applying for grants of aid and supports compliance with requirements around applying for and managing grants of legal aid? This resource is available in Grants Online – Policies and Standards – Grants E-Learning Module.
Other resources available in Grants Online – Policies and Standards include:
- Elodgement User Manual
- instructional video - how to submit an application
- instructional video - how to submit an invoice.
Video-link appearances for Magistrates Court matters
Each day there are numerous matters listed before the Magistrates Court across Queensland where an appearance by video-link is required for a person in custody. It is often the case that those video-links are cancelled on the morning of Court as the defendants have obtained legal representatives and the appearance is not required.
As you are aware, video-link slots are at a premium, therefore the Magistrates Court has asked that practitioners:
- Consider when listing a matter whether a video-link is in fact needed; and
- If a video-link has been requested, but is later determined to be unnecessary, that you advise the Magistrates Court Registry as soon as possible.
Up-coming events - Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month
Below are links to CPD events that have been organised as part of Legal Aid Queensland’s participation in Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
This year’s theme is ‘It’s in our control to end coercive control.’
The topics that will be covered are:
For any enquiries regarding the CPD events, please email learning@legalaid.qld.gov.au
Publications and resources
LAQ produces more than 100 publications and resources from factsheets to posters, brochures, wallet cards and comprehensive legal information guides on a range of topics. You can check out the publications on the LAQ website and they can be ordered online at no cost.
For more information about our publications or to order copies of the duty lawyer session report form, email publications@legalaid.qld.gov.au
Continuing professional development
Looking for professional development opportunities to boost your CPD points? Our CPD seminars are recorded and available on Grants Online under the Information Resources tab.
Feedback
We welcome feedback and comments from clients, the community and our suppliers. As preferred suppliers you play an important role in helping us to provide quality legal services to disadvantaged Queenslanders. If you would like to provide comments or suggestions about our services, policies, processes or staff members, you can complete a contact form or email us at complaints@legalaid.qld.gov.au at any time. We ensure a senior staff member investigates all issues thoroughly and we also analyse all feedback regularly to improve our policies, processes and services.
View our Feedback and Complaints Policy.