Indi MP Cathy McGowan has been a trailblazer in not only North East Victoria but, indeed, Australia.
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The independent’s victory over long-time Liberal Sophie Mirabella in 2013 sent shockwaves through the political world.
From her first day in parliament, Ms McGowan has been consistent with her messaging. She would be her “best self” and there would be no deals, whether you’re from the left or the right side of politics.
The High Court decision to rule Barnaby Joyce ineligible meant the government no longer had a one-seat majority. That makes Ms McGowan the most powerful figure in parliament because her vote would be crucial to passing any legislation before Mr Joyce can re-contest a bi-election.
The Indi MP has maintained she doesn’t want to force voters back to the polls and she will not support a move for a no-confidence motion in the final two weeks of parliament.
We’ve got no reason to doubt Ms McGowan on that and expect her to follow through on her word but it begs the question: would voters in Indi revolt if she did do the odd deal for the benefit of her electorate?
The short answer is no.
There has been much debate over whether $100 million announced in the May budget for the North East rail line was in fact enough. And we’re sure that, despite progress being made on the eradication of mobile black spots, a couple more towers throughout our region would be welcomed.
Ms McGowan has achieved much in her time in Canberra but there is always more to be done and she would lose no admirers in the North East if she used her new-found position of power to our advantage.
Our dairy farmers don’t deserve kick in guts
North East dairy farmers who supply milk to Murray Goulburn have been through hell in the past 12 months and Friday’s shock announcement that the co-operative will be sold to Canadian dairy company Saputo has only added to their anxiety.
Kergunyah’s Ann Jarvis was among those to speak of her devastation at the news.
Murray Goulburn chief executive Ari Mervis acknowledged supplier shock and anger at the decision but said it was the best deal possible, predicting an average farm, of about 300 cows, would end up receiving about $100,000 more in its milk price than they would have otherwise received.
We can only hope Mr Mervis is true to his word. North East dairy farmers don’t deserve another kick in the guts.
