The bill has been proposed by fellow independent Kerryn Phelps with the majority of cross-benchers already signed up to back the bill which could deliver the Coalition Government an embarrassing defeat on the floor of parliament with an election also looming.

Up to 50 refugee rights advocates from Ms McGowan’s electorate will be demanding she also swing her support behind Ms Phelps’ bill.

“People can't wait for another month, or another year to access the urgent medical treatment they need to save their lives,” Albury-Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council chairperson Rupinder Kaur said.

“The bill must pass the lower house in the first sitting week.

“We expect our MP, Cathy, to do the right thing, to do the compassionate thing, for these people.”

In mid-January, Ms McGowan met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss Ms Phelps bill, but has maintained a deafening silence on her voting intentions.

“There have been a number of demonstrations outside my office during my time as the member for Indi, on different issues,” Ms McGowan said.

“I welcome people standing up for their views.

“This is democracy in action.”

Ms McGowan’s office dismissed speculation she planned to break ranks with other cross-benchers and support the government in opposing the bill and in return receive a “legacy” commitment for the electorate following her recent decision to retire after two terms in the parliament.

“As Cathy has stated on more than one occasion in the past, she does not do deals,” a spokeswoman for Ms McGowan said.

In congratulating former Wodonga mayor Mark Byatt on joining the Indi election race as the National Party candidate this week, Ms McGowan said she was banking on the government acting on the Regions at the Ready report when parliament resumed next week.

“This report calls for a consolidated government policy on regional Australia,” she said.

“I want to see action outlined on Regional City Deals for rural and regional Australia, particularly Albury-Wodonga.”

Senator Bridget McKenzie this week rejected a suggestion Ms McGowan was largely responsible for the mobile phone blackspot towers erected in Indi.

“The reality is the policy was developed by the National Party in opposition before the local member was even elected,” Senator McKenzie said.

“Communities such as Indi have been a beneficiary of that.

“We all want to see our communities connected and of course the local member wants to see her community more connected.

“But the development of the policy, the appropriation of the money is all due to the National Party in government.”

Earlier this week, Ms McGowan said compassion and mercy needed to be maintained for those seeking asylum.

“I will not give up on refugees and my voting record speaks for itself on this issue,” she said.

But again stopped short of declaring whether she would support Ms Phelps’ bill.