Tasmanians are able to access financial aid for civil cases under the Civil Disbursement Fund scheme being run by Tasmania Legal Aid, where they have a private lawyer acting for them.
What is the fund?
Tasmanians may be able to access financial aid for disbursements in civil cases under the Civil Disbursement Fund scheme being run by Tasmania Legal Aid, where they have a private lawyer acting for them. Assistance is subject to a means and merits test.
What does the fund do?
The Civil Disbursement Fund (the Fund) can receive applications from Tasmanians requiring financial assistance for disbursement expenses for their civil case. Rising civil case costs has meant that many people cannot afford to have their case heard before a Court or even attempt negotiations for an outcome. The Fund can help applicants pay up front disbursement costs to progress the matter and, if the case is won, the applicant repays those disbursements, with a premium, back into the Fund.
What type of assistance is covered?
The Fund provides assistance for serious personal injury claims, including workers compensation claims. Other civil cases will be assessed against competing resources and priorities. The Fund will provide financial assistance for expenses such as expert reports, medical reports, witness and interpreter expenses and various court fees such as transcript and trial fees. The Fund does not provide assistance to pay for practitioner fees.
How can I make an application
Applications must be made through a lawyer. Guidelines for the operation of the Fund and application forms can be downloaded from this page. Persons who are considering making applications to the fund should be aware that applications will firstly be considered by the Fund Committee and then the Commission.
Who set up the fund?
The Fund was set up by the Tasmanian Government.