Legal aid for Australian travellers tightened

Australians who find themselves in legal strife overseas will find it tougher to get taxpayer-funded legal aid under strict new rules being introduced after $500,000 (FJ$ 776,276.13) was used to help a paedophile. Following a review by AttorneyGeneral Christian Porter, only Australians who are facing the death penalty overseas will be able to access the Serious Overseas Criminal Matters Scheme.

A person’s criminal history and the circumstances surrounding their departure from Australia will also be considered before Mr Porter makes a final decision on whether taxpayer funds will be provided to help their legal defence.