The Legal Services Commission (the Commission) is an independent statutory authority. It is established by the Legal Services Commission Act 1977 (SA) (the Act) to provide legal assistance to people throughout the State. The Commission is funded by both the South Australian and Commonwealth governments and has the powers, functions and duties prescribed by the Act. The Commission seeks to give all South Australians equal access to justice through the legal system, providing free legal information, legal advice and legal education to all. To those most in need, legal representation is also provided, principally in the areas of criminal law and family law, including child support and child protection.