Image: Venturers Fourteen Venturers quizzed Cathy on cross border driving regulations, education and employment during their visit to Parliament House on Wednesday 12 September.

INDI IN THE NEWS

Indi’s concerns aired in Parliament on plan for Manus Island centre closure

Cathy acted this week on grave concerns about the Manus Island centre closure, brought by constituents, the UNHCR, Rural Australians for Refugees and the Australian Red Cross. Cathy’s Question Time question is a must-watch.

• Video: Cathy’s question to Minister Peter Dutton on Manus Island and the minister’s response
• Video: More accountability and transparency, less arbitrary cruelty for asylum seekers

Action to put regional universities on national education agenda

Regional MPs have been urged to back a national regional educational strategy. Cathy’s proposal had the support of the ALP and the cross bench but was rejected by the government. There is still time for regional MPs to reconsider as the legislation passes through the Senate.

• Video: Future of regional universities depends on a national strategy
• Video: Cathy’s stand to make regional universities a national priority

NBN meeting yields effective action for local solutions in Indi

Thanks to the effective action of Indi through the current NBN inquiry, NBN Co CEO Bill Morrow sought a meeting with Cathy in Canberra this week. After recognising the particular challenges in rolling out the NBN in Indi, NBN Co will meet with local communities to discuss local solutions.

• Follow the progress of the inquiry here
• Cathy’s action on NBN

INDI IN CANBERRA

Independents keep up pressure on strengthening superannuation laws

Seconding a Bill from Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie pushing for stronger superannuation entitlement protections, Cathy said the work is sensible private member's business that deserves debate.

• Video: Cross bench keeps up pressure on superannuation entitlement protections

Indi’s philanthropy groups praised as link for community-led solutions

The most sensible solutions for regional challenges are often developed in the regions themselves. Indi's locally based philanthropic groups often "fill the gaps".

• Video: Local philanthropy groups key for community solutions

Beechworth Secondary College accomplishments on show in House of Reps 

Beechworth Secondary College SRC members represent everything that’s good about Indi! They heard Cathy tell the Parliament about their achievements from the Battle of the Bands to lobbying the state government about reducing the driving age.

• Hear about Beechworth Secondary College’s achievements here

Liam's experience as Canberra Back Of House volunteer

Read about Liam Shay, another young person who has assisted Team Orange in Cathy's Canberra Back of House program. After meeting with the Wodonga Venturers in Parliament House, Liam will return home and assist them in with a grant application for funding for their hall.

http://www.cathymcgowan.com.au/liam_shay

Legislation which passed the House of Representatives this week:

• Australian Border Force Amendment (Protected Information) Bill 2017
• Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Amendment Bill 2017
• Defence Legislation Amendment (2017 Measures No. 1) Bill 2017
• Higher Education Support Legislation Amendment (A More Sustainable, Responsive and Transparent Higher Education System) Bill 2017
• Marriage Law Survey (Additional Safeguards) Bill 2017
• Social Services Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform) Bill 2017
• Statute Update (Smaller Government) Bill 2017
• Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017
• Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No. 2) Bill 2017 > amendment made by the Senate

How Cathy votes

INDI INVOLVED

Regional inquiry submissions close today – public hearing in Wodonga next

The select committee for the inquiry into regional development and decentralisation will hold a public hearing in Wodonga on Thursday 12 October. Anyone wanting to speak at the hearing needs to make a submission by the end of Friday 15 September. It can be as simple as a letter. Read the issues paper for inspiration. 

Education review public hearing in Wodonga 11 October

A public hearing for the Independent review into regional, rural and remote education will be held in Wodonga on 11 October.

2018 Science and Innovation Awards

Grant applications are now open for the 2018 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Information and guidelines 

FYI: More disclosure in political advertising

Legislation has passed to make sure voters will know who is behind political messages that could influence their vote. The Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2017 requires all paid electoral advertising to be authorised

PENDA app to address domestic and family violence launched

Penda is Australia’s first financial empowerment app for women with a domestic and family violence focus

Expressions of Interest for Independent Chair of Australian Vignerons

Applications and enquiries to applications@fullglass.com.au.

Disability Employment Services – National Panel of Assessors now open

The Australian Government is inviting membership to the Disability Employment Services (DES) National Panel of Assessors.

THE WEEK AHEAD

• Monday 18 September: First public hearing for the inquiry into regional development and decentralisation in Orange; local governments from across Indi will meet in Wangaratta.
• Thursday 21 September: Cathy speaking at Pathways to Politics Program
• Friday 22 September: Firefoxes gathering, Kinglake Pub, 6pm
• Saturday 23 September: Ovens and Murray Football Grand Final, Lavington
• Monday 25, Tuesday 26 September: Minister for Aged Care and Indigenous Health Ken Wyatt visiting Indi
• Wednesday 11 October: Public hearing for the Independent review into regional, rural and remote education.
• Thursday 12 October: Public hearing for the inquiry into regional development and decentralisation, Wodonga.