SIMPLICITY VERSUS TARGETING: A LEGAL AID EXAMPLE

This study examines the effects of simplifying the means test used when applicants apply for legal aid in Queensland. Eligibility for approved legal aid cases is in part determined by an applicant’s income and assets. Accordingly, the study sought to identify and test indicators that might allow the financial eligibility of applicants to be determined without the need to collect and check information on their income and assets and that of any related persons. The study used a microsimulation model of the Queensland population to simulate the current legal aid means test and to compare its outcomes with those of a simpler test based on a set of non-economic characteristics.