Real examples of how independent and minor party representatives have made significant impacts in Australian politics.
The Story of Senator Nick Xenophon
Independent Senator for South Australia (2008-2017)
Nick Xenophon, an independent senator from South Australia, made a significant impact on Australian politics despite not belonging to a major party.
His most notable achievement was his role in blocking the deregulation of university fees in 2014. The Abbott government had proposed allowing universities to set their own fees, potentially increasing the cost of degrees by up to 300%.
"This is about accessibility, this is about affordability, this is about Australian students not having an American-style debt sentence."
As one of eight crossbench senators holding the balance of power, Xenophon declared he would not support the legislation. His stance, along with other crossbenchers, ultimately forced the government to abandon the controversial reforms that would have fundamentally changed Australia's higher education system. Without an independent voice like Xenophon's in the Senate, Australian students might face significantly higher university costs today.
This demonstrates how independent senators can serve as crucial checks and balances in the parliamentary system, often representing community interests over party politics. Xenophon later founded his own minor party, but his greatest impact came during his time as an independent, where he had the freedom to assess each piece of legislation on its merits rather than following a party line.
The Story of Cathy McGowan
Independent Member for Indi (2013-2019)
Cathy McGowan unseated a longtime Liberal Party incumbent by running a groundbreaking grassroots community campaign, forever changing the landscape of rural Australian politics.
Her most significant achievement was championing and securing passage of the Regional Higher Education Strategy, which led to $96 million in funding for rural and regional university students. McGowan tirelessly advocated for better internet connectivity in rural areas, resulting in numerous National Broadband Network installations being prioritized in previously overlooked communities.
"Politics should be about the people being represented, not the parties doing the representing."
Her community-first approach transformed how her electorate engaged with politics, creating the "Voices for" movement that has since spread to other electorates across Australia.
When McGowan stepped down in 2019, her community campaign model ensured another independent, Helen Haines, succeeded her—the first time in Australian political history that one independent directly passed the baton to another, demonstrating the sustainability of community-backed independent representation.
The Story of Senator Jacqui Lambie
Independent Senator for Tasmania (2014-present, with brief interruption)
Jacqui Lambie, independent Senator for Tasmania since 2014 (with a brief interruption during the citizenship crisis), has fought fiercely for her state despite powerful opposition.
In 2019, Lambie secured a landmark deal to have $157 million in Tasmania's public housing debt waived in exchange for her crucial vote on tax cuts. This provided immediate relief for low-income Tasmanians and freed up approximately $15 million annually for new housing in a state with a severe housing shortage.
"This isn't about doing deals. This is about doing the right thing by the people who need it most."
As a former soldier, Lambie has also been a powerful advocate for veterans' rights, successfully pushing for improved mental health services and securing a Royal Commission into veteran suicide.
Her blunt, no-nonsense approach and willingness to share her personal struggles with poverty and her son's addiction issues have made her a relatable voice for ordinary Australians who often feel politicians are out of touch with everyday concerns.
The Story of Senator Rex Patrick
Independent Senator for South Australia (2017-2022)
Rex Patrick established himself as one of Australia's most effective transparency advocates despite having no major party backing.
His most notable achievement was successfully challenging the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to release National Cabinet documents related to COVID-19 decisions. This landmark ruling prevented the government from keeping crucial public health information secret and established an important precedent for government accountability.
"Transparency isn't just a word—it's the cornerstone of democratic governance."
Patrick also led the charge against submarine contract mismanagement, using his Senate position to expose billions in waste and force greater oversight of defense spending.
Through strategic use of Freedom of Information laws and parliamentary privilege, he exposed government corruption and secrecy in ways that party-aligned politicians, constrained by party discipline, simply couldn't. His work demonstrated that a single dedicated independent can shine light on issues that major parties might prefer to keep in the shadows.