Cathy McGowan

The ‘Anthropological Change’ Happening in Venezuela Maduro is still in place, but a pro-democracy movement is transforming the beleaguered country.

Congratulations to Maria Corina Machado, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize - her incredible optimism has already changed her country. I spoke to her, and wrote about her, at the beginning of this year:
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...

My Link in Bio Page Check out my Link in Bio page to learn more.

Some thoughts on the story of Australia’s rural women’s movement and celebrating 25?years of the Rural Women’s Award!

linkin.bio/agrifuturesau/

Who else do independent voters vote for? There were 21 seats in 2025 where an independent candidate made the two-candidate-preferred count. For today’s post, I want to explore what we can tell about those voters from their other vot…

Today's blog post looks at what voters make up the 2CP of independent candidates, and how those voters split on the two-party-preferred (Labor vs Coalition) #ausvotes

Fascinating analysis- thanks!

As the media works to win trust, people say they want the truth Australians want journalists to tell the truth. Is that a simple request?

So much to think about in this article by Garath Hutchens; www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06...

Independents could win more seats off Coalition at federal election | 6 News YouTube video by SIX News Australia

NEW: The Coalition is facing the prospect it could see further losses to the crossbench, with a number of independents hoping to pick up seats this federal election

WATCH HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKko...

Looking for inspiration- can recommend @suebarrett.bsky.social theaimn.net/change-isnt-...

Can Moldova – population 2.4m – show the world how to stand up to Putin? The tiny former Soviet republic’s determination not to be cowed by the Kremlin could provide a template for the west on how to hold back the tide of subversion and corruption How can a democracy defend itself from an attacker who does not respect any…

Can Moldova – population 2.4m – show the world how to stand up to Putin?

Pleasure!

INTERVIEW @timdunlop.bsky.social with @cathyindigovalley.bsky.social (For context, @transitzonepod.bsky.social 2021 #podcast with McGowan, @margokingston.bsky.social, @mediaactive.bsky.social “The First Female Independent Member of Federal Parliament”.) #auspol #democracy rss.com/podcasts/tra...

How community independent campaigns actually work I’m standing in Yulecart Memorial Hall on the Dartmoor-Hamilton Road, just west of Hamilton, Victoria. The building is 100 years old, made of bluestone and well used to community action. On the front ...

There’s a great piece in today’s Saturday Paper that discusses exactly this difference.

www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topi...

It’s by @cathyindigovalley.bsky.social (former MP)

You’re right that all politicians SHOULD be community-backed. But rarely is the community actually involved.