The Victorian government has formally intervened to prevent convicted murderer and rapist Adrian Ernest Bayley accessing taxpayer-funded lawyers for an appeal.
Bayley, 43, wants to challenge two rape convictions and a sentence that increased the non-parole period on his life sentence from 35 years to 43 years, claiming it is manifestly excessive.
The former pastry chef was convicted of raping three women as well as murdering Brunswick woman Jill Meagher.
Last month Bayley launched legal action against Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) after his bid for the service to pay for his appeal was refused.
An independent reviewer upheld VLA's decision.
Bayley's lawyers are challenging that determination, saying it is unreasonable and in breach of the Charter of Human Rights.
Lawyers for Victoria's Attorney-General Martin Pakula appeared in the Victorian Supreme Court on Wednesday to support Legal Aid in the fight.
Mr Pakula last month vowed to support VLA.
"I think Legal Aid has made exactly the right call," he told reporters in August.
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