www.awnw.com.au
Issue #252 – Wednesday, 1 October, 2014
Albury Wodonga’s largest circulating newspaper
Here’s cheers
A local cheerleading squad has landed a spot in Australia’s All Star Cheerleading Federation Nationals competition on the Gold Coast, but lack of funding for the sport means they won’t have much to cheer about. FOR THE FULL STORY, TURN TO PAGE 8.
Indi vote probe INDEPENDENT Member for Indi Cathy McGowan says she fully supports an investigation into electoral fraud after claims many Indi voters in the 2013 Federal Election supplied incorrect residential details. While Ms McGowan stated earlier this week that she had not yet been contacted by the Australian Electoral Commission, she highlighted in a public statement that she welcomed any queries they might have. She first heard of the allegations on Friday. “It’s important the Australian people have the utmost confidence in the AEC and electoral process and I know they will undertake an extensive and professional investigation,” Ms McGowan said. “But we must be mindful these are allegations, so let’s wait and see the results before making a judgement.” Ms McGowan won the seat of Indi in a surprise 439-vote win over Liberal candidate Sophie Mirabella last September through a strong grassroots campaign known as Voices 4 Indi. It is now believed many voters were no longer living in the area at the time of election. The AEC’s new integrity unit is reportedly investigating over 20 potentially fraudulent enrolments by McGowan supporters, whose Indi enrolment addresses fail to correspond with their home addresses in other seats, previous enrolment information, and social media information such as on Facebook and LinkedIn. Ms McGowan agrees that the unlawful declarations should be fully investigated. “An enrolment is a declaration made by an individual to the AEC and it is up to the individual to ensure it is accurate and lawful,” she said. Allegations have surfaced that McGowan campaign workers, referred to
as ‘Indi expats’, had full knowledge of the fraudulent conduct and even encouraged it. No evidence has been put forward that Ms McGowan knew of this conduct. Ms McGowan’s media adviser has stated that she will not be making further comments on the incident at this stage. Meanwhile, Voices 4 Indi president Alana Johnson said the group had not yet been contacted by the AEC and denied endorsing fraudulent voting. She further outlined concern that the investigation could deter young voters from heading to the polls. “We only know what we’ve read in the paper, we’ve not had any contact from the AEC,” Ms Johnson said. “Many rural young people leave home to study, travel and work, they are often transient and their family home remains their permanent address. If young people’s place of enrolment is an issue for Indi, then it is an issue for rural electorates across the country. “Any clarification and improvement the AEC can make to the enrolment process that encourages and helps young people to be involved will be welcomed.” Meanwhile, the AEC was unable to outline the consequences for Ms McGowan’s political future if the investigation ruled her campaigners submitted fake votes, but said findings would be released shortly. Acting Electoral Commissioner Tom Roger, who was last week tasked with examining enrolment details, said he was taking the matter very seriously “I have asked for the AEC examination to be given the highest priority,” he said. “These investigations are continuing at the present time. Once the task is completed - which I expect to be soon - if there is any doubt at all regarding the enrolments, I will take further steps, including, if necessary, referral to the AFP.”
Two-year-old Thomas Perry from Albury visited the 51st Henty Machinery Field Days with his Picture: ADAM WILSON grandfather last week. 128004
Showers of blessings in field THE skies may have opened over the 51st annual Henty Machinery Field Days, but so too did the wallets. Farmers across the region had their prayers answered when around 20mm fell over the thirsty
spring crops last week, boosting profits at the major event as well as morale. With a record number of visitors flooding in on HMFD’s opening day, and strong sales reported right across the event, the small town of
Henty still makes a big impression when it comes to putting on a show. For all the Henty Machinery Field Days fun and action, turn to page 6.
TANGAMBALANGA KIEWA EAST ROAD BEAR T O
1 2.9ha
NEW ! RELEASE
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2 2.9ha HOLD 2.9ha
9 2.1ha TH
4 2.7ha
3 UNDER 4.8ha
8 2.6ha
7 4.4ha
PL
5 2.0ha
6 4.8ha
CONTRACT
10 6.0ha
GE
NT
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12 27ha SOLD
RO
AD
NORTH
11 UNDER 10.0ha CONTRACT
• LIFESTYLE ACREAGE • PRICED FROM $198,000 • ELECTRICITY • GAS • TOWN WATER • SEWER
1151728-KM38-14
By ERIN SOMERVILLE
AW1484596