ORGANISERS of a pre-election justice forum in Bendigo are calling on Liberal Party candidates to also confirm their attendance.
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The Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Centre has organised a public forum just over a week out from the state election, where Bendigo candidates can discuss all aspects of justice and its impact on the community.
The Labor and Greens candidates for Bendigo East and Bendigo West will attend, along with the Sex Party candidate for Northern Victoria Charlie Crutchfield.
ARC Justice chief executive Peter Noble said the issues could be cast broadly.
"The discussions could include mental health reform, child support changes, drug laws, laws on domestic violence," he said.
"This current government has overseen some significant changes in Victoria's justice system. I think the Liberal Party candidates would definitely have something to say on these issues."
Mr Noble said abolishing suspended sentences and the Callinan Review had played a major part in the Victorian justice system under the current government. He said Protective Services Officers at Bendigo Railway Station had been another way justice had made a direct impact on Bendigo.
"They've certainly delivered on what they said they were going to do," he said.
"Finding solutions to the increasing growth in the prison population is something that should be addressed."
Members of the public will be able to question the candidates at the justice forum on November 18 at the Capital Theatre.
Candidate for Bendigo West Michael Langdon was contacted for comment.