Tom Elliott has clashed with a barrister over public funding for an appeal for Jill Meagher’s killer.

Adrian Bayley had his sentence reduced by three years last week, from 43 years to 40.

Bayley had a pro bono lawyer acting on his behalf after Legal Aid refused his application.

Tom thinks it was the right decision, but Greg Barnes, former President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, doesn’t think Legal Aid should be picking and choosing its clients.

‘In a democratic system, the Rule of Law applies,’ Mr Barnes said. 

But Tom says Legal Aid needs to spend its limited funds carefully.

‘Spending more money on the likes of Adrian Bayley is not the right battle,’ he said.

Click play to hear the heated debate