SOPHIE Mirabella has challenged her successor at the 2013 federal election Cathy McGowan to a public debate on their achievements as the member for Indi.
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Mrs Mirabella, who held the seat for 12 years, rolled out the invitation to Ms McGowan in response to a comment made about the former member for Indi earlier this week.
Ms McGowan told The Border Mail: "Just watching the Liberal candidate, we've seen more out of her in the last two months than in the 12 years she was a member.
"It is a fantastic thing that is happening in Indi."
Ms McGowan was commenting on the pre-selection success of National Party candidate Marty Corboy and the focus already on Indi leading up to a federal election next year.
"I am interested in real policy debate and real action," Mrs Mirabella said.
"Not catty comments that are frankly not true.
"I am happy to have a public debate with Cathy over my record versus hers.
"Our region deserves the best outcomes and that is my focus."
Mrs Mirabella was pre-selected as the Liberal candidate in Indi mid-year and has weclomed a succession of federal MPs including Jamie Briggs, Mitch Fifield, Richard Colbeck and Anne Ruston.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott also visited Wodonga to open the Spirit of Anzac exhibition.
Ms McGowan said she was up for the challenge of debating Mrs Mirabella.
But not until an election was called.
"When we've got an election date there will be plenty of opportunities for good debate," the first-term member said.
"It will be the appropriate place and the appropriate time.
"It will be a really important part of the democratic process and that is what the community is going to be looking for and what a competitive electorate looks like.
"It is all positive and when Mr Turnbull calls an election there will be plenty of places to really look at all these things."
Ms McGowan said she hoped all the other candidates in Indi would take part in the debate.
Sportsbet.com.au has Ms McGowan a $1.33 favourite to retain Indi from Mrs Mirabella ($4.50) and Mr Corboy ($7).
Mr Corboy spent Thursday campaigning with Senator Bridget McKenzie including attending the Bonegilla Migrant Experience welcome centre opening.