If you have a legal problem and are worried about cost, you are not alone. Thousands of Australians search for legal aid every day. This page explains how legal aid works, who qualifies, and what your options are if you don't.
What is Legal Aid in Australia?
Legal aid is government-funded legal assistance provided to people who cannot afford a private lawyer. Each state and territory has its own legal aid commission:
- NSW: Legal Aid NSW / LawAccess NSW — 1300 888 529
- VIC: Victoria Legal Aid — 1300 792 387
- QLD: Legal Aid Queensland — 1300 651 188
- WA: Legal Aid WA — 1300 650 579
- SA: Legal Services Commission SA — (08) 8111 5555
- TAS: Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania — 1300 366 611
- NT: NAAJA / Northern Territory Legal Aid — 1800 019 343
- ACT: Legal Aid ACT — (02) 6243 3411
Who Qualifies for Legal Aid?
Legal aid is means-tested and merit-tested. To qualify you generally need to:
- Have income and assets below a set threshold (varies by state)
- Have a matter that legal aid considers worthy of funding
- Usually be facing a serious criminal charge or specific family law matter
In practice, most working Australians do not qualify. If you own a home, have a regular income, or your matter is civil, commercial or traffic-related, legal aid is unlikely to be available to you.
Legal Aid vs Go To Court — A Direct Comparison
| Legal Aid | Go To Court Lawyers | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (if you qualify) | Free hotline + fixed-fee consultation |
| Income test | Yes — strict limits | No income test |
| Availability | Business hours only | 24/7, 365 days |
| Wait times | Often days or weeks | Connected within minutes |
| Choice of lawyer | Assigned by the commission | Matched to your area and matter |
| Matters covered | Limited — mainly serious criminal and family | All areas of law, Australia-wide |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify for legal aid in Australia?
Eligibility depends on your income, assets, and the type of matter. Generally you must earn below a set threshold and have a matter that legal aid considers meritorious. Most matters involving traffic, civil disputes, or commercial issues are not covered. Contact your state legal aid commission to check eligibility, or call Go To Court on 1300 636 846 for a free assessment of your situation.
What if I don't qualify for legal aid?
If you don't qualify for legal aid, Go To Court Lawyers is the most accessible private alternative. Call our free hotline on 1300 636 846 — Genesis will assess your situation and provide relevant legal information at no charge. If you need a formal consultation with a lawyer, the fixed fee is $295 with no income test and no waiting list.
Is legal aid available 24 hours a day?
No. Government legal aid services operate during business hours only. If you need legal help after hours, on weekends or on public holidays, Go To Court Lawyers is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1300 636 846 any time.
Don't Qualify for Legal Aid?
Call our free hotline for a legal assessment. If you need a lawyer, the fixed fee is $295 — no income test, no waiting list, available right now.
Call 1300 636 846 — FreeSee also: Legal Advice Australia | 24 Hour Legal Advice | How Much Does a Lawyer Cost