Premium Content:

Independent Cathy McGowan announces her retirement from politics

The member for Indi, Cathy McGowan has announced she will not contest the next federal election.

- Advertisement -

McGowan is an independent who sits on the crossbench and has served two terms in the federal parliament. She won the seat at the 2013 election ousting prominent conservative Liberal Sophie Mirabella.

Announcing her departure from politics she gave support to local doctor Helen Haines to replace her in parliament. There has also been speculation that the Nationals deputy leader Bridget McKenzie might attempt to make a move to the lower house by contesting the seat.

McGowan, who is 65, said she would contest the seat for a third term and was proud of the work she’d done during her time in the parliament.

The Liberal candidate at the next election will be local Steve Martin, not to be confused with Tasmanian politician Steve Martin… or banjo playing wacky comedian Steve Martin.

OIP Staff


 

 

Latest

Does Basil Zempilas support the Liberal party position on trans healthcare?

We asked and the response from his spokesperson was far from full-throated support for the policy.

Dr Anne Aly says government may look at other types of hate after antisemitism

The proposed legislation following on from the Bondi Massacre has been criticised for having too narrow a scope.

Eurovision check-in: The first songs for the 2026 competition have arrived

The first songs for the 2026 competition have arrived.

On This Gay Day | Author Yukio Mishima born in 1925

Mishima is considered one of the most important authors of Japanese literature.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Does Basil Zempilas support the Liberal party position on trans healthcare?

We asked and the response from his spokesperson was far from full-throated support for the policy.

Dr Anne Aly says government may look at other types of hate after antisemitism

The proposed legislation following on from the Bondi Massacre has been criticised for having too narrow a scope.

Eurovision check-in: The first songs for the 2026 competition have arrived

The first songs for the 2026 competition have arrived.

On This Gay Day | Author Yukio Mishima born in 1925

Mishima is considered one of the most important authors of Japanese literature.

Advocates say proposed hate speech laws exclude vulnerable communities

LGBTIQA+ and Jewish advocacy groups are calling for broader protections.

Does Basil Zempilas support the Liberal party position on trans healthcare?

We asked and the response from his spokesperson was far from full-throated support for the policy.

Dr Anne Aly says government may look at other types of hate after antisemitism

The proposed legislation following on from the Bondi Massacre has been criticised for having too narrow a scope.

Eurovision check-in: The first songs for the 2026 competition have arrived

The first songs for the 2026 competition have arrived.