After sitting outside Parliament House yesterday, I felt more exhausted than after a day of cycling 150 km or more. That building has a lot of negative energy. I know, I’ve worked in it.
Allegra Spender, Kate Chaney, Rebekha Sharkie, and Andrew Wilkie all took the time to visit me and ask about the discussions I’ve had with people about renewable energy on my #eBike4Australia journey. Zali Steggal also wanted to come down at the end of the day, but we both agreed that a Radox bath was awaiting me and I deserved it. I saw Barnaby Joyce lurking around, but I didn’t want to waste my energy talking to a climate change denialist. Dozens of everyday Australians also stopped by to chat. It was a day that reinforced my belief that Australia needs more voices in politics - especially independent ones - to drive real change on climate action and accountability.
As we head towards a federal election, there’s a lot of talk about the possibility of a so-called ‘hung parliament’. Peter Dutton has been quick to label it a “threat.” But the real threat is the dominance and arrogance of the major parties. The truth is, when the two-party system is forced to negotiate with independents, we end up with better outcomes - particularly on urgent national interest issues like climate change.
The Power of Independents
Looking back at Australia's political history, the last time we had a hung parliament was under Julia Gillard’s government from 2010 to 2013. Contrary to the doom-and-gloom narrative often spun, this period was one of the most productive in terms of legislation. Importantly, it was during this time that Australia introduced a carbon price - a critical step in addressing the climate crisis. Independent MPs played a pivotal role in shaping this.
Fast forward to today, and we have a strong contingent of independents, particularly the "Teal Independents," who have shown that they can influence meaningful change. Kate Chaney, Sophie Scamps, Allegra Spender, David Pocock, Rebekha Sharkie, Andrew Wilkie, and others have pushed for stronger climate policies, integrity in politics, tackling the impacts of gambling, and a focus on community-driven solutions. The independents are not just voices for climate action; they are advocates for more accountable and transparent government.
The Value of a Hung Parliament
A hung parliament might sound negative. But it isn’t a disaster - indeed, its the opposite. It’s democracy in action. It forces the major parties to stop being arrogant. It forces them to negotiate, to compromise, and to work with a broader range of perspectives. This is essential when it comes to issues like climate change, where vested interests and political inertia have stifled progress for too long.
In the current political climate, neither major party has shown the ambition we need on climate. The Liberals continue to promote climate change denialism and distractions like Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan that has no plan. And while Labor has made some strides with domestic emissions reductions, it is promoting and approving massive coal and gas expansions that dwarf all the domestic efforts it’s making. Many Australians are fed up. A hung parliament, where independents hold the balance of power, would push both sides to adopt more ambitious climate policies. It’s only when the major parties are forced to listen to the independents - who represent everyday Australians, not just party machines - that we can get real action. Look at the difference Fatimah Payman is already making after exiting the Labor Party.
Democracy Beyond Election Day
Democracy is more than just showing up on election day and voting for Labor, Liberal, or even the Greens. It’s about engaging with the political process, seeking out credible candidates who can represent our values, and backing them to hold the major parties accountable.
Movements like Voices of Farrer, which could pose a serious threat to Susan Ley, and Voices of Bean, a challenge to David Smith, show that grassroots, community-driven campaigns are gaining momentum. These movements demonstrate that independents can offer a real alternative to party politics. They are more in touch with local issues, more committed to integrity in governance, and more willing to take bold stances on climate action.
A Call for Action
So, as we approach the next election, I’d encourage everyone to think about what kind of Australia you want to live in. Do you want more of the same from the major parties, or do you want to see real change on climate, transparency, and accountability? Look for credible independent candidates in your electorate, get involved in their campaigns, and remember that a hung parliament isn’t a threat to democracy - it’s an opportunity to strengthen it.
Together, we can push for the ambitious climate policies that Australia so desperately needs, and ensure that our democracy truly reflects the voices of the people - not just the party machines. Our kids and our country depend on it.
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