Announcing the extra funding this week (6 July) in Melbourne, Attorney General Robert McClelland said: "Youthlaw is a great example of how community legal centres are able to identify local needs and develop appropriate responses to help."

Youthlaw Online was developed by Melbourne-based community legal centre Youthlaw, and was launched last year by the Attorney-General. The initiative uses real-time video and document sharing capabilities, enabling young people across Victoria to consult with lawyers based at Youthlaw's Melbourne office.

"The service uses technology to give young people the opportunity to get help in a format they are comfortable with," said Federal Member for Melbourne, Lindsay Tanner.

"Early assistance for young people can keep them out of court and lead to resolutions before issues escalate or become entrenched."