Cathy Goes to Canberra: Doing Politics Differently

by Cathy McGowan

Whenever anyone tells you that only the big parties or star candidates have a chance of winning a seat in federal parliament, just say ‘Cathy McGowan’. Running as a community-backed independent candidate, Cathy won the previously safe Liberal seat of Indi in 2013 and again in 2016 and passed Indi on to another independent in 2019 – a first in Australian history. Cathy tells how thousands of ordinary men and women in north-eastern Victoria got together, organised themselves and made their voices heard in Canberra. An inspiring tale and a primer for other communities looking to create change.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography

192 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2020

Reviews

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up in the local library - my copy had Cathy on a motorbike from the 1970s on the cover, which is likely to confuse and possibly deter some readers. A short but great read on how Cathy became the first independent member for a federal seat in north-east Victoria and was followed after two terms by another female independent. It seems as if Cathy's whole life was leading to her time as a community-based MP, particularly with her deep family connections in the area as one of 12 children and a former Deputy PM as a cousin-in-law. A great insight too on what is required once in parliament as a member, with the office management and admin systems needed to be efficient and respond to constituents. Basic research on and networking with everyone in Canberra, both elected politicians and all the support staff, was also very important.

The National party does not come out well at all in their neglect of rural and regional Australia. If a few more community-minded people read this and stand, all the National party MPs might eventually disappear.

I'll remember "Be your best self".

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wins the prize of ‘only political memoir that has made me cry’. It’s very powerful and inspiring, even to someone who’s as politically cynical as I am! I’m perhaps somewhat biased as an Indi-expat.
My only criticism is I would have loved to see her write about the marriage equality vote process because that was such a horrid time, but the pictures of her when it went through brought me a lot of joy then and still does today.

[MargCal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ☆
Finished reading ... Cathy Goes to Canberra: Doing politics differently / Cathy McGowan ... 30 October 2022
ISBN: 9781925835908 … 180 pp.

I actively campaigned for the successful independent candidate in the seat of Kooyong in last May's Federal election. Now I'm in the middle of actively campaigning for the independent candidate in the seat of Hawthorn in the forthcoming State election. I probably should have read this book before I did either LOL
However ….

This book tells the story of Australia's first female independent federal MP, Cathy McGowan, in her own words. Her background, how the path to Parliament started, getting organised, how people worked together, winning, learning to be an MP, then retiring, as planned, after two terms and, as hoped, handing the baton to another independent MP for the Federal seat of Indi … it's all here. No punches are pulled. The reality of humans working and mixing together is not omitted – you get the mistakes and frictions too.

If you stopped to really think about it, you'd never take this on. But step-by-step, hard work, enthusiasm, focus …. it gets you there. Cathy shows the way in this book and she has also made her time available to pass on lots of How-to, Beware-of, and similar experiences to a clutch of mostly successful independent candidates since she left Parliament.

Voters who are rusted-on supporters of a particular party and voters who haven't thought of, let alone experienced, an independent MP before frequently either
- ask what an independent can possibly do without being part of a party machine
or
- maintain that independents aren't real, that they're a stooge for a political party or the puppet of a major donor.
They in particular should read this book. It shows how an independent MP really does act independently … and does politics very differently

A fascinating story and “how to” manual from a very talented, very modest woman. The book has also given me a very different picture of the reality of politics in a rural area compared to in the city.
Highly recommended.


Borrowed from my local library.

[Sophie Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cathy McGowan: “Relying on the traditional, two-sided political model will not generate enough change and will continue to leave large sections of Australian society feeling left out. This is especially so in rural amd regional Australia”.
How many of you feel your voice is being heard by Government? Do you feel adequately represented? It seems to me that too many of us feel we are being let down by our representatives.
It’s an interesting read Cathy’s book. I really like the idea of doing politics differently and to stop following the easy route of same old. Same old is clearly not working. I hope the elections in 2022 can follow a new pathway and drive change for better outcomes. #elections2022 #avoiceforchange #timeforintegrity

[Tracy Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved these stories about how Cathy McGowan created ‘politics done differently’. Cathy revealed that helping Australia to achieve its potential through an engaged citizenry, is both critical and complex.

She showed how she focussed on engaging communities and helping them to find their voice and advocate for better outcomes. We need more of this.

Loved how she created processes. How they were grounded in solid governance and helped to build community spirit.

I thank Cathy for having accepted the mantle to represent the Indi electorate, for being a wonderful role model, (particularly for women) and for sharing with all the leaders who follow her – how it’s done.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book chronicles the rise of the Voices for Indi and Cathy's two terms in Parliament. This book is very readable and Cathy's strong voice and integrity come through. She clearly shows how much work it was to start and then maintain the Voices role and position, but how valuable it was for her community. I especially enjoyed her reflections on the bigger scale of politics, the parties and the individuals. As an interested follower of Cathy over the years, I found this book addressed the key issues that confronted her, the good , the bad and the ugly. Even if you are not that into politics, this is well worth reading as a reflection on modern Australia.

[Tulitha King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few political memoirs but this one is different, less about the author and more about the subject, that is entering politics as a newly minted independent. As such it's an excellent how to guide for anyone interested in how politics in Australia works and does a lot to demystify the topic.

[Nellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting book regarding political engagement in Australia

[WildWoila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reframing politics as grassroots community engagement based on strong shared values. A model that could transform politics and unleash our potential. Staid telling, but hopeful & inspiring.

[Denise Rawling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, practical, inspiring, funny - probably like the woman who wrote it! A breath of fresh air and hope that our politics could be done differently.

[Cath Cosgrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to change the political status quo this is the book to read

[Chris Waterford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly interesting with lots of insights into other politicians through her interactions with them. A perfect "HOW to" guide for aspiring independents.
7/10

[Bec74 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting and inspiring. Has given me a lot to think about. Just couldn't give 5 stars because it did jump around a lot, almost like a stream of consciousness.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to read how a community banded together and beat the 2 major Australian political parties at politics. This is for you. Thoroughly enjoyed it.