Ken Nuggin of Wodonga (Letters, Sep 21) is of the opinion that it is time to make magistrates responsible for “slap on the wrist punishments”.

Sentencing is not just about “handing out tough punishment”. Rather, when sentencing an offender the law mandates magistrates and judges to take into account an extensive list of sentencing purposes, principles and factors, both aggravating and mitigating.

Legislation requires our judiciary to take a holistic approach in tackling crime, and in addition to proportional punishment, they must also consider how best to deter future offences, rehabilitate the offender and protect the community. This legislation is made by the Parliament, through democratically elected representatives.

Ordering offenders to pay compensation to victims as it was suggested, is not a consideration prescribed by the legislation in all cases, only a very select few.  

Victims do however have the right to apply for financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.

Every criminal case is different as to its set of facts and circumstances.

With their familiarity of the law and informed daily experience with offenders and victims of crime, our judiciary is in the best position to determine and deliver appropriate sentences. 

LAST week I read and appreciated and fully understood Blue Ribbon Day. 

A wonderful day dedicated to all those serving, past, present and deceased brave police officers. Many that gave it all to society and died in the line of duty. 

Indeed a dangerous job most could not imagine doing but thankfully many do. 

We also acknowledged fire fighters, SES volunteers and rightfully so. I think the time has come to acknowledge and award a medal of service (Florence Nightingale medal) to all those nurses that slog it out everyday; often in conditions not unlike the police most could or would want not to do. 

The field of nursing is ironically more aligned to the military paradigm then all the previous and and may I add most worthy fields. 

HEY Bill Shorten and the entire Labor party, before the next federal election, which could be anytime according to your colleagues opposite, how about showing us a meaningful point of difference or two between you guys and the other parties? 

For example, the way this wealthy nation treats refugees. At the moment I am ashamed of the current government who are happy to spend billions of dollars locking up these desperate and sorry people. 

Just imagine what that huge amount of money could be doing for our ailing health and education systems. 

Many Australians are looking for a fair and reasonable government.

We haven’t seen one for a while now, and we are getting sick and tired of the unproductive nastiness and petty conflicts that currently masquerade as a federal government. 

Let us know what you'd change if you became Prime Minister, Bill. 

Let us know what your party would implement in its first term of government if enough of us are feeling inspired to vote for you and your mob. 

A clarification on Saturday incorrectly stated Sao Paolo was in the northern hemisphere in regards previous locations of a Marilyn Monroe exhibition launch.