The changes made to Victoria's criminal justice system over the last four years have been controversial among legal circles, a fact made clear at Tuesday's candidates forum to discuss justice.

As the talks progressed, ideas increasingly overlapped between the four parties present.

Sure, the Labor Party could not get specific on some policy areas, such as on public housing policy, with election commitments still yet to be announced.

But on a theoretical level, they joined the other parties in their criticism of the government's policies of removing suspended sentences, cutting a social housing program and supposedly reducing legal aid.

A voice for the government would have created a robust debate.

Their ideas and policies clearly have support in large parts, if not the majority, of the community. Arguments could have been made about the effectiveness of the government's policies.

As ARC Justice executive officer Peter Noble said, the changes in the last four years have been significant.

Regardless, using the looming State Election as an opportunity to talk homelessness, support for those with drug problems, greater mental health support and addressing family violence was useful.

In the end, that's what elections are for. It's more than just showing up for polling day, but an opportunity for all ideas to be discussed.

Bendigo has had a perpetual conversation on all of these issues, in particular drug policy and family violence, for many years.

Only once in four years do people have a tangible choice about the direction they want their community to head on matters of justice.

On Tuesday, attendees at the candidates justice forum heard of plans for a Royal Commission into family violence.

They heard about concerns over the future of a program helping to keep people in tenancies.

Arguments were made about stopping prisoner numbers expanding in Victoria.

With the State Election now just 10 days away, will there be another chance for genuine debate about issues that impact everyone in Bendigo?