Not everyone in Ms McGowan’s electorate voted for her and I for one take umbrage to being referred to as someone that did.

Ms McGowan did not receive the majority of primary votes.

This country is being undermined by a flawed and abused preferential voting system.

Governments from both federal and state are becoming less and less effective; they are unable to make decisions to the betterment of the people.

More and more we see decisions hamstrung or watered down to appease minority groups.

It’s high time the whole preference system is abolished, or at the very least reviewed.

For anyone voting below the line, instead of marking every one of the 97 candidates, should only vote for their preferred top eight or 10.

This will mean the rest will not garner false support through this flawed system.

If voting above the line, the same or similar restrictions should be placed on the major parties to stop shady deals that do not benefit anyone but the political machine.

But alas l feel there will be no courage shown from our friends in government or opposition to rectify this.

To continue with the status quo shows them up to be only self-serving and not doing what is truly best for their constituents.

I have no problem with our elected representatives, federal or state and I wish Ms McGowan every success.

I have a real concern with this system failing to deliver a workable, truly effective government to make proper decisions in a timely manner.

It just has to be fixed.

— PAUL DAVISON,

West Wodonga