Crossbenchers say hung parliament would have to negotiate bill by bill (28 Feb 2025)
Article summary: In the lead-up to Australia’s 2025 federal election, the prospect of a hung parliament is growing, with many crossbenchers ruling out formal governing agreements. Lessons from the Gillard minority government in 2010 have left a lasting impact, with key independents stating they prefer to assess each bill on its merits rather than be bound by a deal. Only Ian Goodenough and Dai Le have expressed openness to formal agreements, while others, including Rebekha Sharkie and Andrew Gee, remain undecided. The Greens are open to agreements with Labor but have ruled out working with the Coalition.
Curtin MP Kate Chaney has confirmed that she will not enter into any agreements that limit her independence if she is re-elected. She stated, "If my support is needed for confidence and supply, I will be willing to negotiate with either side for improvements to transparency and accountability and will listen to what each side is willing to do on the long-term issues Curtin cares about." She emphasised that she would not "cement-in either party" and instead expects a minority government to be held accountable by the parliament. Key issues she will consider when negotiating include the economy, climate change, and housing, particularly focusing on ensuring younger generations have a promising future.
Other independents echo Chaney’s stance. Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel has rejected rigid deals, advocating for scrutinising legislation individually to enhance accountability. She criticised the Coalition’s lack of clarity on climate targets, stating, "The Coalition doesn’t even have a target currently for 2030, or hasn’t updated its target. It is a problematic variable, the lack of definition around what that policy is, and I would like to see some clarity on it between now and the election." Wentworth MP Allegra Spender also believes a hung parliament could be beneficial by steering the major parties towards the centre, fostering more stable politics and policies. She is particularly concerned about the Coalition’s nuclear policy and insists that Australia must continue making progress on climate targets.
Veteran independents Bob Katter and Andrew Wilkie, both of whom participated in the 2010 Gillard minority government, have ruled out making formal deals again. Wilkie reflected on his experience, saying that while his agreement with Gillard only covered confidence and supply, it still pulled him closer to the government in a way that ultimately reduced his independence. "In some ways you are kind of joining the tribe, it’s a very subtle sort of thing, and with the benefit of hindsight I did lose a lot of freedom of manoeuvring back then." He now advises fellow crossbenchers against binding commitments.
Among those open to formal agreements, Ian Goodenough is the most explicit in his intent, stating that he would prioritise securing a formal deal with the governing party, with a focus on healthcare and infrastructure for his electorate of Moore. Dai Le has also said she would strike a deal with the party most willing to prioritise the needs of her diverse electorate in Fowler, with key demands including an MRI machine for Fairfield Hospital and reforms to incentivise bulk-billing in disadvantaged urban areas.
With the largest crossbench in Australia’s modern history, the election’s outcome will determine the extent to which these independents hold power. Recent polls suggest that neither major party is likely to secure a majority, making the crossbenchers crucial in deciding who forms government. However, most have made it clear that they will not offer unquestioned loyalty and will instead push for accountability, transparency, and key policy priorities, particularly on climate action and economic stability.
