About Legal Aid NSW
We are the largest legal aid commission in Australia. In this report, we refer to ourselves as Legal Aid NSW.
Legal Aid NSW provides legal services across NSW with an emphasis on assistance for socially and economically disadvantaged people. We run a network of 25 offices and two satellite offices, and a statewide phone legal service. Our team at LawAccess NSW also provide a statewide information and referral service over the phone and on webchat.
We work with private lawyers who receive funding from Legal Aid NSW to represent legally aided clients. We also work closely with community legal centres, the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited and pro bono legal services.
Legal Aid NSW strives to support clients and improve access to justice through initiatives such as the Cooperative Legal Service Delivery Program. We also administer funding for the state’s 27 Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services and 32 community legal centres. We collaborate with other agencies providing social and support services to people experiencing disadvantage, helping us deliver integrated services to address clients’ legal and non-legal needs.
Our Board establishes our broad policies and strategic priorities. The NSW Attorney General appoints Board members for terms of up to three years, and our Chair for a period of up to five years.
About this report
This annual report reviews and reports on our activities and performance, including what we set out to do in our Legal Aid NSW Strategic Plan 2023–28. To learn more, see Our five-year strategic plan. This report outlines the operational activities of our organisation, including joint initiatives. It reflects our commitment to effective corporate governance through openness and accountability. It provides an account of our revenue and how we have used public funds. The report also looks to the year ahead and comments on the challenges facing Legal Aid NSW. This is our 45th annual report.
Letter of transmittal
The Hon. Michael Daley, MP
Attorney General
52 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Dear Attorney,
In accordance with section 13 (1) of the Legal Aid Commission Act 1979 (NSW) and section 7.13 of the Government Sector Finance Act 2018 (NSW), I am pleased to submit the Legal Aid NSW annual report for the year ended 30 June 2024 to you for presentation to Parliament.
Yours sincerely,
Monique Hitter
Chief Executive Officer
October 2024
View online
Overview
Strategy
Operations and performance
Management and accountability
Sustainability
Financial performance
