The Latest Breaking News from Cathy McGowan

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For many voters despairing about the gridlock and lack of integrity in Australian politics in recent years, the success of the teal independents in the May 2022 federal election was an exhilarating moment. They won six formerly safe Liberal seats, returned four independents - Zali Steggall in Warringah, Helen Haines…

Regional women are too often forgotten in Australia’s political movements. The “big teal steal” focuses on the independent candidates from Melbourne and Sydney, forgetting that independent Cathy McGowan stole the seat of Indi from the Liberals a decade earlier.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to “change the way” we do politics in Australia by avoiding soundbites and “actually answering questions”. This is part of his plan for “rebuilding respect” for politics itself.

There is speculation the prime minister might choose a truly independent umpire, with Andrew Wilkie’s name mentioned

Voters disenchanted with the cynical politics of the main parties were ripe for conversion – they just needed someone to knock on their door and listen

Guardian Australia understands Climate 200 is likely to back independents in upcoming state elections

What does historic move of voters away from the two major parties mean for the future of Australian politics?

Australia's parliament is facing a supersized crossbench in the wake of the "teal wave" and a unprecedented number of Greens candidates elected. But what does all this mean for the new parliament? And who are these new crossbencher?