Former Indi MHR Cathy McGowan has joined with Rural Australians for Refugees to host a series of public forums this month to discuss the future for refugees in offshore detention.

Ms McGowan said the forums would discuss the next steps for those supporting refugees and asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus.

“What I hear people saying is that we can’t continue to use Pacific as a dumping ground,” Ms McGowan said.

“We must find another solution. These forums will explore actions that individuals and groups within the community may take, including writing to their MPs and petitioning the Australian Senate.

“I have a strong interest in Australia’s relationship with Papua New Guinea. Prior to being an MP, I worked with PNG women in agriculture and also extensively in rural economic and agricultural development.”

Ms McGowan said it was time for a pragmatic decision by the Australian Government.

“I will not give up on refugees and my voting record as an MP speaks for itself on this issue,” she said.

Ms McGowan will be speaking at venues including Melbourne (2pm, Friday) , and Benalla, (2pm, Saturday).