Under the changes, the functions of the existing Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (LPDT) have been transferred to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT), enabling greater transparency of future matters.

This change also brings the legal profession in line with other regulated professions such as health practitioners, veterinarians and conveyancers, who already have disciplinary matters dealt with by SACAT.

The changes were passed by Parliament last year to:

• Transfer the disciplinary and review functions of the LPDT to SACAT
• Enable the LPDT to be dissolved
• Enhance and clarify the investigative and disciplinary powers of the Legal Profession Conduct Commissioner

Those with complaints about the conduct of legal practitioners can refer complaints to the Legal Profession Conduct Commissioner, who has a range of powers to investigate, take action, and commence proceedings in SACAT.