A man accused of killing his father and uncle could not afford legal representation because his finances were connected to the assets of the dead brothers' farm, a court has heard.
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A lawyer for Ross James Streeter, of Bendigo, who is charged with murdering his uncle, John, and his father, Doug, in March, told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that the accused man did not qualify for assistance from Legal Aid.
Marcus Dempsey, acting as a friend of the court, said Mr Streeter's "financial position is connected to the funds of the deceased".
Mr Streeter is alleged to have shot his uncle on the family's sheep farm in Natte Yallock, near Avoca, before travelling to Bendigo, and then returning to the farm to shoot his father.
He has pleaded not guilty to the killings of the men, both aged in their 60s.
Justice Terry Forrest said at Wednesday's directions hearing it would be a great pity if Mr Streeter was not represented at his trial given the seriousness of the charges.
Prosecutor Mark Rochford, SC, agreed that Mr Streeter should be legally represented.
Mr Dempsey said he expected Mr Streeter to be able to secure sufficient funding to pay for legal representation within the next three months.
A previous court hearing was told police needed to examine complex wills and financial arrangements, and the medical records of one of the dead brothers.
Mr Streeter, who wore a purple shirt and a dotted tie in his appearance before the court via video link, was remanded to reappear on September 23.
