In fact, I recently took the opportunity at Senate Estimates to restate my support for the ABC and its editorial independence, and confirmed the government would always ensure it is adequately funded to fulfil its duties as a public broadcaster. 

Of course, support for the ABC and its independence does not come with immunity from criticism. Like all of us, the ABC is not infallible. And as a beneficiary of more than $1 billion each year from the taxpayer, it must be accountable and held to the high standards that the public rightly expects. 

All Australians help fund the ABC and all Australians are entitled to express views about how the ABC does its job. 

A few years ago I attended a discussion about improving the North Albury/Lavington area. When Griffith Road was mentioned, I felt stupid in front of engineers suggesting a simple thing to relieve some congestion and danger until a better solution was found. I told everyone at the Mirambeena Community Centre, stop vehicles turning right out of driveways in Griffith Road, especially out of Lavington Square.

Surprise, surprise, years later nothing has been done or even trialled. I don't feel so stupid now. At least I came up with something. 

As of April 30 in Victoria if you are caught with even the lowest positive reading for alcohol, that is 0.05, you can expect no leniency in court. Because if you are in a Victorian court, you will be disqualified for a minimum of three months, and you will have to install an interlock device to any vehicle you drive for a minimum six months (at your expense). And last but not least, all drivers caught will have to finish a mandatory behaviour program. 

These penalties will be enforced even if the Victorian driver is caught in another state or territory of Australia. Yes! I love it.

Come on NSW, now it's your turn.

It is about time that our governments implemented mandatory prison sentencing for those that steal motor vehicles – let alone those that carjack and invade homes – especially in light of the latest appalling deaths of innocent people in Melbourne over the weekend, where a stolen motor vehicle rammed into a car and the two innocent occupants died.

And today we hear of two other innocent people being badly injured by some goose that stole a taxi and smashed into their vehicle in Albury.

Why are these car stealers allowed to continue their non-ending, seemingly contagion through ongoing generations, with seemingly no deterrent in place to put it to an end, also affecting insurance costs for the general public?

In my opinion, there should be a mandatory 12-month prison sentence introduced for anyone stealing motor vehicles, with no explanations or sob stories accepted.