THE Four Corners program of November 17, relating to transgender issues and access to the Family Court for approval for the subject person to be treated with drugs, demonstrates the very dangerous situation that has developed in relation to access to the courts because of the hideous costs. 

Ultimately the person concerned was represented by a competent law firm at no cost and a successful outcome was achieved, but that is the exception and not the rule. 

One of the great issues facing the community is the explosive increase in white-collar crime committed by financial planners, accountants and dodgy lawyers. 

These criminals have financially destroyed thousands of everyday Australians, who have no access to justice because of the hideous cost of using the legal system. 

A further example of some concern to the community is the damage done to farmers by the big supermarkets who are screwing them to the wall. 

While the Trade Practices Act has provisions which deal with such unfair conduct, farmers cannot access the courts because of costs.

I could go on and on about government employees abusing their power and then using taxpayer money to destroy anyone who challenges them in the courts, but I’m sure the community gets the picture and are as concerned as I am about the almost complete breakdown of the justice system. 

No ordinary person can afford to pay up to $500 an hour and more to a lawyer plus the excessive cost of a barrister to represent them in court, and I fear the consequences of such an outrageous situation.