Cathy McGowan became the first female independent to sit on the parliamentary crossbench in 2013.

A sixth generation farmer, Cathy’s life has been characterised by strong family and community connections, and a love for rural Australia.

Among her many highlights from years of involvement in and leadership of rural and regional organisations, was Cathy’s presidency of Australian Women in Agriculture and her establishment of the Women and Dairy discussion groups across the country.

While in parliament she developed policy around regional development, a national integrity commission, a code of conduct for politicians, and drought policy.

Cathy was awarded The Accountability Round Table award for political integrity in 2019, and is also an Officer of the Order of Australia and a Churchill fellow.