Appeals

Your client may appeal a refusal of aid, or appeal against any other decision made in respect of a grant of aid (for example, to require a particular contribution, to take a statutory charge, to refuse an extension of aid, etc) within 14 days of the decision.

Where a request to appeal a decision is received, an internal review of the original decision will be completed (this is called a reconsideration). If Legal Services say their original decision was correct, the appeal will be referred to the Legal Services Appeals Panel for external review. You will be advised in writing of the outcome of the reconsideration.

The Legal Services Appeals Panel will deliberate on the validity of the appeal. The Panel is separate from Legal Services and their decision is final.

All appeals must be in writing using the Appeal Form and set out the reasons for appeal. Find further information about regarding the procedure to submit an appeal in our appeals information sheet.

Please note that if your client needs help to appeal and you are unable to assist, the client can submit an appeal with the help of any friend or support person of their choice. We often receive appeals written by counsellors, friends, or family members. Legal Services itself will also help clients appeal if they wish this, and will provide the services of an interpreter free of charge if needed for this purpose. To arrange this, refer the client to our Client Relations Coordinator by email to clientrelations@lsc.sa.gov.au.

Appeals are dealt with at a monthly meeting of the Legal Services Appeals Panel. This may sometimes mean that a court appointment may need to be adjourned. If the matter is urgent for any reason, please make this clear in the appeal materials.

All written materials submitted are considered, and you and your client will receive a letter advising of the decision. If for special reasons you believe that your client needs to be heard in person, you or they may make this request in writing with the appeal application. It is not common practice for the client to attend in person.

There is no second or further right of appeal from the decision. If new, relevant material arises which was not previously available and which justifies a review, the case may be presented again for the Panel's further consideration. Otherwise, complaints may be directed to the Client Relations Coordinator, or to the State Ombudsman or the client's Member of Parliament, as appropriate.