Crossbench MPs prepare for powerbroker role

CANBERRA’s new “gang of five” has promised to drive a hard bargain with either Malcolm Turnbull or Bill Shorten should either attempt to form a minority government.

Queensland MP Bob Katter is urging a united front.

CANBERRA’s new “gang of five” has promised to drive a hard bargain with either Malcolm Turnbull or Bill Shorten should either attempt to form a minority government.

It appears increasingly likely the Prime Minister will have to court the five critical votes on the House of Representatives crossbench so as to be able to convince the Governor-General he can provide a functional government.

Individual members of the group — which includes Victorian independent Cathy McGowan — have all but ruled out entering into a formal alliance with either leader.

Ms McGowan, who was easily returned for a second term in the northeast seat of Indi, ruled out a formal alliance with either the Coalition or Labor yesterday.

“The Prime Minister rang to congratulate me on the win, which was lovely to receive. I also congratulated him on winning his seat,” she said.

“He was very confident that he can form a majority government and we’ve agreed to stay in contact over the next couple of days as the national situation settles down.”

But she told the Herald Sun she would not be “making deals” with either side. She also dismissed speculation she would accept the coveted Speaker’s chair if it were offered. “I’m very happy being the Member for Indi. That’s 100 per cent of my focus.”

Victorian independent Cathy McGowan.

Ms McGowan said she would push for more resources for the Australian Electoral Commission to cut down waiting times and wants quicker moves to electronic voting.

“The scenes here in Wodonga were shocking yesterday, with young mums with kids forced to wait 45 minutes in the rain,” she said.

“In 2016, we need a better system — a quicker system which is more voter-friendly.”

Greens Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt and supporters.

Maverick Queensland MP Bob Katter has told his fellow independents there were huge pay-offs available to them if they present a united front in the political negotiations that come with a hung parliament.

He has a laundry list of demands already drawn up. But he would “spit upon” any offer to become Speaker, and said he was “not for sale”.

He said he would seek money for infrastructure in northern Queensland, the development of an ethanol industry, more support for retirees and less immigration.

Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie.

Greens MP Adam Bandt said he was unlikely to enter into any formal arrangement.

Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie also ruled out a power-sharing arrangement.

Nick Xenophon, whose party will have its first House of Representatives Member, said he would speak with Mr Turnbull and Mr Shorten.

“We have our differences but where there is common ground we need to work together constructively,” he said.

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