YOUR SAY: Political parties choose candidates to suit them, not the public

The two main political parties use the first system - they put someone in place who they think will represent the best interests of the party, not the public.

There is no panel of psychologists interview to ensure they don't have highly negative personality traits, no interview with a panel of highly experienced job consultants to make sure they are fully qualified for the job. No really strict penalties for breaches of human rights, corruption, or any other acts that would normally be classified as criminal and a breach of their obligations.

As long as this situation continues, we will continue to get what we have now.

As chair of the Australia-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, I recently organised a screening in Parliament of the documentary film, Masha and Valentyna. This film tells the story of two Ukrainian women who fled to Poland at the beginning of Russia's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

I congratulate the director, Simon Target, on creating such a powerful film. It is a compelling insight into the daily struggles of Ukrainians, and I encourage all Australians to watch it to broaden their understanding of the hardships Ukrainians are going through on a daily basis. Masha and Valentyna runs for about 50 minutes and can be streamed free via SBS on Demand.

Albury City Council received close to 600 submissions, mostly opposing the mountain bike trails planned for Eastern Hill.

The initial flawed consultation process was in support of the mountain bike strategy (2021).

This should not be pursued to the detriment of all the passive users of Eastern Hill.

Thank you Aunty Diann Tremain, Johnny Murray and Ruth Davys for teaching our community about yours and our country.

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