72Representation of applicant

72 Representation of applicant (a) a respondent is prohibited from cross-examining a protected witness under section 70; and (b) the respondent is legally represented; and (c) the protected witness— (i) is the applicant; and (ii) is not a police officer; and (iii) is not legally represented. (2) The court must order Victoria Legal Aid to provide legal representation for the protected witness for purpose of cross-examination by the respondent's legal representative unless the protected witness objects to the provision of the legal representation. (3) Despite anything in the **Legal Aid Act 1978**, Victoria Legal Aid must provide legal representation in accordance with subsection (2). (4) However, Victoria Legal Aid may apply all or any of the conditions under section 27 of the **Legal Aid Act 1978** to the representation of the protected witness as if the protected witness had been granted legal assistance under that Act.