Bainer, they are going to self-represent if they get to local (Country in vic) Court and there is no Legal aid or Aboriginal Legal Aid  solicitor for them.  I have worked in the Courts.  I have spent days pre court dates ensuring there is a legal Aid solicitor to have it pulled at last minute.  People who have been summonsed to the Courts then have to self represent unless the Court on the day appoints a duty solicitor.  Some may choose to self-represent though as it cuts out all that argie bargie between solicitors with little regard to the client, that happens.  Its also far cheaper and many times, very effective.