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Federal election 2016: Independents, minor parties solidify influence
Five independent and minor party politicians who could hold the balance of power are already laying out conditions.
Negative campaign cost me votes: Dutton
Peter Dutton says a negative campaign against him, led by unionists, is to blame for his slide in popularity as he holds onto a slender lead in his seat of Dickson.
The count is close in the seat in Brisbane's outer northwest, with Mr Dutton on 50.82 per cent of the vote on a two party preferred basis, leading Labor's Linda Lavarch who has 49.2 per cent
Ms Lavarch, who left Queensland parliament in 2009, is also the ex-wife of former federal attorney-general Michael Lavarch.
Both major parties face a steep uphill battle to muster workable support from enough crossbenchers to form a minority government if, as seems possible, the election produces a hung parliament.
Two of the likely five independents, Andrew Wilkie and Cathy McGowan, have already ruled out doing a deal with either side. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten were calling independents on Sunday morning in a sign neither felt his party could form a majority on its own.
‘Islam has no place in Australia’: One Nation
PAULINE Hanson is back.
After 18 years in the wilderness, the controversial One Nation leader is heading to the Senate, where she will quite possibly hold the balance of power.
You may not agree with her, but you can’t ignore her any longer.
In her previous incarnation, Hanson was all about stopping “Asian” immigration. Today, she has turned her focus to the dangers of Islam, Shariah law and the “racket” of Halal certification.
Here’s a quick guide to One Nation’s four key policies.