Independents coy on Morrison factor ahead of Australian federal poll

Numerous independents have ­refused to weigh in on which party they would give their vote to in the case of a hung parliament.

Warringah MP Zali Steggall has said she would be more inclined to support the Liberal Party if Scott Morrison was not in charge. Picture: AAP

Numerous independents have ­refused to weigh in on which party they would give their vote to in the case of a hung parliament, regardless of whether Scott Morrison maintains leadership of the Coalition.

The independents’ responses follow independent Warringah MP Zali Steggall indicating she would be more open to supporting the Coalition if Mr Morrison were not at its head.

Ms Steggall pointed to “deep concerns within my community about some of the things that have occurred” in parliament ­recently and, when pressed on whether a different leader would help her back the Coalition, ­replied “that is obviously an open possibility”.

It followed Ms Steggall lending her voice to concerns raised this week over Mr Morrison’s character, sparked by claims by NSW senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells he was a “bully” who lacked a “moral compass”, after she was given an almost unwinnable spot on the Senate ticket.

“It is disrespectful, some of the language used in parliament, some of the throwaway lines, are disrespectful and not becoming of a person in that role,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells told ABC’S Q&A.

While some independents also voiced concern over the Prime Minister’s character, they stopped short of indicating they would be more inclined to vote for the Coalition without him as leader.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has copped a lashing from NSW senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells. Picture: Christian Gilles

Independent candidate for Cowper Carolyn Heise, one of those supported by Climate200, said her “frustration and anger with the current culture in federal politics” was one of the reasons she nominated for office.

“I know I am not alone in wanting politics done better, with respect, transparency and fairness,” she said.

“I have never met Scott Morrison but I am aware of what many of his close colleagues have said about him. My focus is on policy not personality, and I would set the same criteria for whoever leads any party. Are they genuine; are they empathetic and do they have a track record which gives me confidence they can be trusted? As a true community independent, I will negotiate in good faith with anyone who can deliver the best outcomes for Cowper.”

Independent candidate for Flinders, Despi O’Connor, ­ another backed by Climate200, said she hoped to engage in politics in a way that moved “beyond partisan infighting”. Georgia Steel, a Climate200 candidate for Hughes, said her support in a hung parliament would “not change based on who the leader of either major party is”.

The Climate200 independent candidates’ comments come as the Coalition raises questions over the true “independence” of the candidates, running mainly in Liberal-held seats.

Sitting independent Andrew Wilkie said he would not do any “formal deals” in a hung parliament and rather decide every issue on its merits, including questions of confidence and supply to any particular party.

“What constitutes merit is the sum of many considerations including the views of the community and my conscience,” he said.

“Any decisions I need to make immediately after the election will be done so as soon as ­possible.”

Fellow independent Helen Haines said she would not be “controlled by any political party”.