Jill's accused killer gets VIP legal aid

Jill Meagher. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

JILL Meagher's alleged killer is getting "Rolls-Royce" taxpayer-funded legal representation despite other accused criminals having their aid cut.

Legal sources have raised concerns over priority treatment for alleged rapist and killer Adrian Bayley.

He was represented by both a barrister and solicitor in at least one procedural hearing before a magistrate - which is rare under Victoria Legal Aid guidelines.

And the cash-strapped VLA has funded a solicitor to visit Mr Bayley up to twice a day since his September arrest, legal sources say.

Those fighting cost-cutting say the accused killer has been given "priority" treatment.

Under VLA's new rules, instructing solicitors are funded for trial preparations and just two half-days of trial attendances - leading to indefinite stays of three criminal cases, including a double murder, so far this year.

One senior legal insider said Mr Bayley was entitled to the best possible representation, but the VLA had a responsibility to defendants and victims of crimes to provide equal access to justice.

"They are out to compete for the corporate dollar and the media attention," the source said.

Legal sources say Adrian Bayley is receiving priority treatment.

"They have been seeing him morning and night."

Another source described Mr Bayley's legal aid as "Rolls Royce" treatment.

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A VLA spokesman said it could not comment on individual aid grants.

"However, all people who receive legal aid undergo the same rigorous process of assessment for funding of their case.

"The level of service ... is based on a number of factors including the seriousness of the charge, the complexity of the case and whether they have special needs - for example, being a child, having a mental illness, an intellectual disability or an acquired brain injury."

The legal aid funding crisis prompted an urgent meeting between the VLA, the Victorian Bar, the Law Institute of Victoria and representatives of the courts yesterday.

The Herald Sun revealed a $3.1 million black hole in VLA's budget in November.

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A rise in the number of cases is being blamed on extra police on the streets charging more suspects, a surge in domestic violence and an increasing incidence of breaches of intervention orders.

Law Institute of Victoria chief Michael Brett-Young said: ''We say all people should get equal representation.

Unless there is a resolution, it will certainly lead to a breakdown in the justice system. There will be more delays and this is not benefiting either the accused or those victims who are affected."

A spokesman for Attorney General Robert Clark said the VLA had its full support.

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