I understand that if those responsible for stealing and torching cars across the Border are juvenile offenders, they cannot be treated as adults. But I do wonder, when they are brought before court, are they ever ordered to pay restitution?

Many times the cars stolen are old and they are uninsured. It is often the case that people who can’t afford insurance buy the cheapest car they can afford, so this is a crime that impacts their life and ability to work greatly.

Offenders probably don’t have a lot of money at their disposal, but so what? Why can’t an order be made, even if it is $5 a week, for offenders to make up for the damage they have done. We make university students take on debt to pay for their education yet these little fleas are excused for not having the means to pay for the “entertainment” they seek out. It’s just wrong.

I feel sorry for the people who apply their own views to toys, kids books and foods and want them to be banned rather than just choosing to stay away from them (“Sweet TV ad judged racist”, The Border Mail, July 23).

I had (still have but he is a tad worn) a lovely, hand-knitted golliwog and I can assure everyone that he was as loved as my probably anti-feminist Bride doll, my baby girl doll, my blonde walking doll and my cheeky Noddy Doll (who apparently was not all he appeared to be).

I find it amusing the things we need to eliminate yet allow “reality” programs that produce numerous wrong attitudes. Money, fame, body obsessions and backstabbing seem to be fine examples of behaviour and they can stay unless of course somebody happens to produce a golliwog to play with. Then they'll be off the air.

It is a toy and if we start banning toys that are incorrect the Teddy Bears will need to go as they are projecting bad body image with those tummies. Barbie? Well let’s just leave that one alone. What about the image of Jesse the cowgirl in Toy Story? Character analysis of fairytales and old stories are more an indictment on those projecting their own beliefs onto the characters than the characters themselves.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank the voters of Indi and in particular those who considered the Nationals and my candidature worthy of their first preference at the recent federal election. I congratulate Cathy McGowan on her victory.

Through the new portfolios granted to the National party ministers I will continue to advocate on the important issues that effect this region, in particular the planning of the Rutherglen heavy vehicle detour, assisting families who are dealing with the drug ice, the dairy crisis and job creation through decentralisation. These issues do not disappear after the vote counting has been completed.

At this election the National party has achieved a historical result under the leadership of Barnaby Joyce and Fiona Nash. This was achieved by campaigning on the wombat trail at a local grass roots level while using current forms of communication complimenting the tried and true methods of electorate engagement.

This year was the first time the Nationals had run in Indi for over 15 years and although we did not win at this election, the party at both a federal and state level is encouraged by the support we did receive and look forward to future campaigns in the Indi electorate.

I would also like to publicly thank my campaign committee and the many people who allowed our signage on their property, the volunteers who assisted in various ways and a special thanks to my family for their support and encouragement.