assistance (usually the applicant or their lawyer) may request an internal reconsideration of that decision by a VLA officer. If a person is dissatisfied with the outcome of that internal reconsideration they may apply to have the decision reviewed by an Independent Reviewer. Appendix 3: Fees paid to private practitioners There are around 400 different fee structures across the matter types VLA funds. This reflects the fact that there are many different types of work that are undertaken under a grant of aid. For example, preparing for a bail application in the Court will require less work than Magistrates’ preparing for a bail application in the County Court or the Supreme Court. Therefore, there are three different fee structures for bail applications and different fees within each structure for preparation, appearances and a mention or adjournment. All fee structures are set out in the VLA Handbook, which is accessible online. Appendix 4: Defining democracy The Museum of Australian Democracy (at Old Parliament House) describes our democracy as: being one that champions the development and well-being of the ‘A liberal democracy, individual, is organised in such a way as to define and limit power so as to promote legitimate government within a framework of justice and freedom.’ It goes on to describe of our democracy being legitimacy, justice, freedom, and power, as follows: (Note: emphasis added) Legitimacy A legitimate government is one that has the appropriate mandate or authority to rule. This usually means a high degree of popular support as demonstrated by a free electorate and frequent elections. For example: the government is chosen by a popular vote in which a majority of officials in a majority of electoral regions receive the majority vote; and, rules (or laws) are framed to maximise the well-being of all or most citizens. Justice Justice is achieved when citizens live in an environment in which all citizens are treated equally and accorded dignity and respect. This may occur in democracies tempered by constitutionalism, free elections and restraints on power. For example: the demands made by vested interest groups seeking special privileges are questioned; and, society is encouraging of talent and rewards citizens on merit, rather than on rank, privilege or status. Freedom If freedom is to exist, there must be: self-determination such that citizens may make decisions, learn from them and accept responsibility for them; the capacity to choose between alternatives;
assistance (usually the applicant or their lawyer) may request an internal reconsideration of that decision by a VLA officer. If a person is dissatisfied with the outcome of that internal reconsideration they may apply to have the decision reviewed by an Independent Reviewer. Appendix 3: Fees paid to private practitioners There are around 400 different fee structures across the matter types VLA funds. This reflects the fact that there are many different types of work that are undertaken under a grant of aid. For example, preparing for a bail application in the Magistrates’ Court will require less work than preparing for a bail application in the County Court or the Supreme Court. Therefore, there are three different fee structures for bail applications and different fees within each structure for preparation, appearances and a mention or adjournment. All fee structures are set out in the VLA Handbook, which is accessible online. Appendix 4: Defining democracy The Museum of Australian Democracy (at Old Parliament House) describes our democracy as: ‘A liberal democracy, being one that champions the development and well-being of the individual, is organised in such a way as to define and limit power so as to promote legitimate government within a framework of justice and freedom.’ It goes on to describe of our democracy being legitimacy, justice, freedom, and power, as follows: (Note: emphasis added) Legitimacy A legitimate government is one that has the appropriate mandate or authority to rule. This usually means a high degree of popular support as demonstrated by a free electorate and frequent elections. For example: the government is chosen by a popular vote in which a majority of officials in a majority of electoral regions receive the majority vote; and, rules (or laws) are framed to maximise the well-being of all or most citizens. Justice Justice is achieved when citizens live in an environment in which all citizens are treated equally and accorded dignity and respect. This may occur in democracies tempered by constitutionalism, free elections and restraints on power. For example: the demands made by vested interest groups seeking special privileges are questioned; and, society is encouraging of talent and rewards citizens on merit, rather than on rank, privilege or status. Freedom If freedom is to exist, there must be: self-determination such that citizens may make decisions, learn from them and accept responsibility for them; the capacity to choose between alternatives;
vla-access-to-justice-submission.docx