The Commission's role is to ensure that within the limit of funds available for legal aid, no person is excluded from access to the law in W.A. because of social or financial disadvantage. Assistance is provided in matters arising under both Commonwealth & State laws. The Commission commenced operations in April 1978 following the Legal Aid Commission Act of 1976 and the ratification in 1977 of a joint State/Commonwealth funding Agreement. A new funding Agreement was co-signed in February 1989. In 1978 the Commission took over the offices and the functions of The Australian Legal Aid Office at Fremantle & Midland. Other regional offices were established at Broome (1985), Bunbury (1985) and South Hedland (1986).