Justice Shine said the grants are designed to assist vulnerable people in the community and improve communication and education in the law.

"The Government is particularly focussed this year on increasing dispute resolution services, improving justice services for victims of crime and assisting people with mental health issues as well as justice services for Indigenous people," he said.

"This year projects that benefit the socially, economically or geographically disadvantaged in our community are also especially encouraged to apply."

The grants are funded through the interest generated from solicitors' trust accounts. Applications for the grants close on 27 March 2009.

- Sarah Sharples