Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre will introduce the new technology that co-ordinator Peter Noble said was critical for legal equity.

“Without these services, the disadvantaged and vulnerable people in our community would have no access to justice,” he said. 

“To get into court and resolve disputes, you’ve got to be able to understand the law, afford a lawyer or an alternative, and get over the hurdles that are in front of you.

“This will enable specialist services to be delivered to a range of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups that we have previously struggled to provide.”

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the new service would use the National Broadband Network once it was connected in Bendigo next year. 

“It’s really important because it will enable the community legal centre to give advice to remote locations,” he said. 

“It will let the staff here at the community legal centre get training without having to drive down to Melbourne.” 

Labor candidate for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the new technology, combined with the NBN, was fundamental. 

“We know delivering service in this community is a challenge because Loddon Campaspe is large area,” she said. 

“This is an issue of equality within the justice system and about making sure everybody gets equity.”