It is an extremely sad reflection of our society that when animals are deemed a nuisance or threat, our response often is to sign their death warrant. The magpie is an amazing Aussie icon that easily befriends us, thrills us with their morning song and can be cheeky larrikins who never fail to give us a chuckle. 

They are also extremely protective of their nest, especially Mr Magpie. By no measure is it OK to kill a magpie who is just doing what comes naturally, even if that magpie is considered a danger to the public. There are times we need to adjust our actions for the sake of animals. 

Magpies, like other animals, are not here for us to enjoy one moment and kill the next. There is always another way, a more compassionate and kind way. 

When a magpie is hell bent on protecting its nest, the solution is to simply leave the bird and its family alone and take a different path, something I am sure cannot be that hard. 

We can also leave a sign to warn others of the potential of a magpie swooping and if there is no option but to take that path, walk briskly and wear some head protection or use an umbrella. Above all do not provoke them; remember they are just protecting their nests. When interacting with wildlife, we have choices, so please always choose the kind option. 

I saw it reported that former foreign minister Julie Bishop had “increased pressure on Peter Dutton to refer himself to the High Court, saying there is a need for clarity around whether the Home Affairs Minister was invalidly elected to Parliament”.

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And so he should, but he won’t because it may cost him an arm and leg or even a childcare centre.

It has to follow, if the High Court finds that he was ineligible to hold a seat in Parliament the lights go out for him and on for Roman Quaedvlieg.

Accordingly the comments he made in Parliament under the protection of parliamentary privilege afforded him, as a legally elected MP, relating to Mr Quaedvlieg would be exposed to legal redress.

I would like to send out a huge thank you to the gentleman who went out of his way, and backtracked in his travels to offer me roadside assistance about 30 kilometres out of Wodonga late on Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately my wheel brace snapped as he was attempting to change my tyre and his wheel brace was not compatible with my tyre. Not only did he back track in his travels, he gave me a bottle of water, and  once he left me he contacted the police and let them know I was there. A short time later they arrived to check I was OK. 

Unfortunately their brace was also unsuitable.

By this time my husband was on his way and a short time later was able to change my tyre and get me back on the road. 

Thank you for your selflessness and your beautiful caring actions. You were truly appreciated.