Member for Indi Cathy McGowan touts former cross bench colleague to voters heading to polling booths in South Australian seat of Mayo

The member for Indi visited a farmers’ market and was a special guest at a music quiz night as part of her visit to the South Australian seat of Mayo which was held by Rebekha Sharkie until May.

It was then the Centre Alliance party member resigned due to question marks about her British citizenship.

Ms Sharkie and Ms McGowan became friends after sitting on the cross bench of the House of Representatives.

“Rebekha and I have a strong working relationship and I would like to see her return to parliament,” Ms McGowan said in a statement.

“I am paying for all travel personally and not claiming it as a parliamentary-related expense.”

The Indi MP declined to speak to The Border Mail about her trip to Mayo, which covers the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.

However she tweeted on Saturday that she was “delighted to be with @MakeMayoMatter (Ms Sharkie) at the Adelaide Hills Farmers market - and talking business opportunities!”.

Ms Sharkie is being challenged by Liberal Party candidate Georgina Downer, who had Foreign Minister Julie Bishop supporting her at the same time Ms McGowan was on the campaign trail on Saturday.

Ms Bishop attacked Ms Sharkie, saying “she votes with Labor more often than not” but the Centre Alliance candidate has told voters in a letter she has sided with the government on 49 per cent of divisions and Labor on 41 per cent.

“I’m out in my electorate today campaigning with the Independent member for Indi Cathy McGowan and she can tell you they tried the same tactics and used the same pictures in flyers against her,” Ms Sharkie said.

“These are just Liberal lies.

“My voting record is clear.” 

On Saturday night, Ms McGowan partook in a $20 per head Rockwiz fundraiser for Ms Sharkie.

Music was provided by John Schumann best known for the Vietnam War song I Was Only 19, performed with the band Redgum.