The support of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's son, Alex Turnbull, for several independent political candidates, including Kerryn Phelps in his father's old seat, is part of a long-term plan to challenge the major parties and reduce the influence of the Murdoch family over Australian politics.

Alex Turnbull, a private investor who lives in Singapore, said he was helping coordinate a project to provide corporate and technological support to help independents campaign, raise money and comply with electoral laws.