Independent candidates outline their wish lists for minority government support

Tight polls are pointing to a hung parliament after the March 25 State Election, meaning independents will hold the balance of power. See what it will take to win their support.

Key crossbenchers who could determine the next NSW Premier have outlined their wish lists as tightening polls suggest both major parties could be forced to make deals to form government.

The most recent Newspoll survey published in The Australian shows primary support for Labor has fallen by four percentage points since September, to 36 per cent, while the Coalition has gained two points to 37 per cent.

Labor leads the two-party preferred vote 52-48, putting the state on track for a minority government.

Sydney state independent MP Alex Greenwich said he would be open to forming government with either the Liberal or Labor parties, but he would push Labor to increase its gambling reform pledges.

“Labor’s position is not enough,” he said. “The Coalition has provided a world class gambling reform package and I’d like to see any potential Labor minority government at least match what the Coalition has put in place

Frontrunner for Kiama Gareth Ward said he would not rule out helping Labor form government after he was suspended from the Liberal Party over allegations of historic sexual abuse.

He has been committed to stand trial and denies the allegations.

The independent MP said he did not fear a backlash from his previously Liberal-voting constituents if he sided with Labor, adding that his key demands for his electorate included building the Nowra bypass and two new schools.

“My constituents know my values haven’t changed and, having been the member for 12 years, I have no intention of changing my values, principles and work ethic,” he said.

Both Chris Minns and Dominic Perrottet have ruled out striking a deal with Mr Ward.

In the regions, former Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MPs Roy Butler, Phil Donato and Helen Murray maintained they would work with either side.

Priorities for Mr Donato included raising the Wyangala Dam wall after his electorate was ravaged by floods last year, while Ms Dalton wanted a new hospital for Deniliquin.

Other key independents include Joe McGirr in Wagga Wagga and Lake Macquarie’s Greg Piper.

Dr McGirr said of siding with either major party: “It’s one of those situations where you’re basically not going to keep everyone happy — you’re going to be damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

“I will work with either side of politics to get a stable government and get those priorities addressed.”

For Mr Piper, the scheduled closure of Eraring power station in 2025 meant he wanted a focus from the government on creating more jobs in the area.

The Greens — who are hopeful of getting three members in the lower house — are yet to unveil their specific demands ahead of their campaign launch on Saturday, but Newtown MP Jenny Leong said key issues in the party’s sights included “tackling the housing and climate crises, delivering pokies reform”, as well as ending what they claim is special treatment for the gambling industry, property developers and coal and gas companies.

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