Firstly, she could have ensured that the tobacco buy-out package was structured properly. If it had been, these growers would not have had to seek her help afterwards.

If she didn’t realise that the package might create this situation when she presented it to the tobacco growers (and she should have, because this was pointed out to her), once she realised that this flaw existed, she should have lobbied to have the package reviewed.

That would have ensured that all growers in the same circumstances would have been treated in the same way, without favouritism.

I must take issue with the editorial’s implication that the main concern with the payout to the favoured growers was that they handed out for Mrs Mirabella.

I have never regarded that as an important issue. Of course they would.

The important issue is why Mrs Mirabella gave these growers special treatment while apparently ignoring others in the same boat.

Her role should have been to support all growers who found themselves disadvantaged by the package, not a selected few.

That’s what she “should have done differently”.

— ZUVELE LESCHEN,

Labor candidate for Indi