Independent politicians in Australia

In some cases members of parliament sit as an independent while still holding party leadership.

In Australia, the federal and state governments all operate on a bicameral parliament, with a House of Representatives and a Senate each.

In every case where there have been minority governments, the balance of power has been predominantly in the hands of independent members of parliament, meaning the individual is not attached to, or affiliated with, a political party.

[1] As of 2023, ten independents sit in the Australian House of Representatives: Andrew Gee from Calare in New South Wales, Andrew Wilkie from Clark in Tasmania, Helen Haines from Indi in Victoria, Zali Steggall from Warringah in New South Wales, Kate Chaney from Curtin in Western Australia, Zoe Daniel from Goldstein in Victoria, Dr Monique Ryan from Kooyong in Victoria, Dr Sophie Scamps from Mackellar in New South Wales, Allegra Spender from Wentworth in New South Wales and Kylea Tink from North Sydney in New South Wales.

In modern politics, independent Brian Harradine served from 1975 to 2005 with considerable influence at times.

[6] On 21 May 1977, a referendum to amend Section 15 of the Constitution was approved to require future Senate casual vacancies to be filled by a member of the party represented by the former senator at the time of their election, if the state parliament chooses to fill the vacancy.