Independent politicians in Australia

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Independents
House of Representatives
12 / 151
Senate
2 / 76
State and territory lower houses[a]
22 / 455
State and territory upper houses[b]
10 / 155
Independents with party affiliations
House of Representatives
1 / 151
Senate
1 / 76
State and territory lower houses[c]
1 / 455
State and territory upper houses[d]
2 / 155

An independent politician is a person who has served in a political office while not affiliated to any political party. Many of these have either resigned or been expelled from membership in political parties, and some have gone on to form their own political parties over time. In some cases members of parliament sit as an Independent while still holding party leadership. This can be for a multitude of reasons including Expulsion from party room, deregistration of party and suspension of membership.

Background[edit]

In Australia, the federal and state governments all operate on a bicameral parliament, with a House of Representatives and a Senate each. Control of each house is formed by either a majority parliament, where a single party or a coalition of parties, holds enough seats to hold power through an electoral term in their own right. When a party is unable to win enough seats in an election, this is known as a "hung parliament", the larger parties are required to meet with smaller third parties and independents in order to make compromises and agreements in order to have a majority of seats, known as forming a minority government. Most elections in Australian history have resulted in Majority governments. 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.

There are numerous reasons why someone may stand for office as an independent:

  • Parties only run a single candidate in the House of Representatives, in order to limit campaign costs and complexity. Some candidates attempt to become a candidate for a party in the pre-selection stage, and are unsuccessful. Instead of putting their support behind the successful pre-selectees, some choose to transition their efforts into an independent candidacy for office.
  • Some independent politicians come from party backgrounds, and have either voluntarily withdrawn from parties due to factional or values-based misalignment or in protest of certain political actions, or have been removed by the party for similar reasons.
  • Some independent politicians may not find enough common ground with the parties available, either from the positioning on the political spectrum, or the effectiveness in fulfilling their electoral mandate, and believe that standing apart from a party will prove more effective.

All politicians in Australia are still required to fulfil their obligations, if elected, regardless of whether they are independent or are part of a political party. All are also afforded the opportunity to speak on behalf of their electorate or district, if a member of the house of representatives, or state or region, if a member of the senate.

Federal[edit]

Before 2022 independents were not often elected to the federal Parliament of Australia. Historically independents were more commonly elected to state parliaments. In 2022 seven new independents were elected to the House of Representatives of whom only one was previously active in one of the traditional political parties; many of these were known as teal independents, a loose collective of social progressives challenging moderate Liberal seats. Historically, many independents were former members of one of Australia's main parties, the Australian Labor Party, the Liberal Party of Australia and the National Party of Australia. On 16 July 2013 a political party named the Australian Independents was registered with the Australian Electoral Commission. It was deregistered on 4 February 2016.[1]

House of Representatives[edit]

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.

Casual vacancies in the House of Representatives of independent members are filled in the same way as for party members, i.e., by a by-election.

Won election as independent[edit]

Member Electorate Term Notes
Alexander Paterson Capricornia, Qld 1901–1903 Independent Free Trade.
James Wilkinson Moreton, Qld 1901–1904 Independent Labour. Joined Labour caucus in 1904.
Sir Frederick Holder Wakefield, SA 1901–1909 Elected as a Free Trader; became an independent on election as inaugural Speaker.
George Fairbairn Fawkner, Vic 1906–1909 Part of the independent "Corner group". Joined the Liberal Party at the Fusion in 1909.
Sir John Quick Bendigo, Vic 1906–1909 Part of the independent "Corner group"; formerly a Protectionist from 1901 to 1906. Joined the Liberal Party at the Fusion in 1909.
Sydney Sampson Wimmera, Vic 1906–1909 Part of the independent "Corner group". Joined the Liberal Party at the Fusion in 1909.
Agar Wynne Balaclava, Vic 1906–1909 Part of the independent "Corner group". Joined the Liberal Party at the Fusion in 1909.
Sir William Lyne Hume, NSW 1909–1913 A Protectionist who refused to join the Liberal Party at the Fusion of 1909.
George Wise Gippsland, Vic 1909–1913
1914–1916
A Protectionist who refused to join the Liberal Party at the Fusion of 1909. Joined the Nationalist Party in 1916.
Frederick Francis Henty, Vic 1919–1922 Independent Nationalist. Joined the Nationalist Party in 1922.
William Watson Fremantle, WA 1922–1928 Later held the seat for a term representing the United Australia Party.
Percy Stewart Wimmera, Vic 1925–1926
1930–1931
Defected from the Country Party; later formed the Country Progressive Party (1926–1930).
William McWilliams Franklin, Tas 1928–1929 Previously served as a Revenue Tariffist, Liberal, Nationalist, and as the first leader of the Country Party.
Billy Hughes North Sydney, NSW 1929–1930 Originally a Labor member and then a Nationalist, resigned to cross the floor to bring down the Bruce Government. Formed the Australian Party in 1930, which merged with the United Australia Party in 1931.
Walter Marks Wentworth, NSW 1929–1930 A Nationalist who crossed the floor to bring down the Bruce Government. Joined the Australian Party in 1930, and then was defeated as a United Australia Party candidate in 1931.
George Maxwell Fawkner, Vic 1929–1930 A Nationalist who crossed the floor to bring down the Bruce Government. Joined the Australian Party in 1930, and then the United Australia Party in 1931.
Sir Littleton Groom Darling Downs, Qld 1929, 1931–1933 As the Nationalist Speaker of the House, refused to use his casting vote to save the Bruce Government. Defeated as an independent in 1929, but re-elected in 1931. Admitted to the United Australia Party in 1933.
Adair Blain Northern Territory 1934–1949 As the member for the Northern Territory, only had the right to vote on matters directly relating to the Territory.
Percy Spender Warringah, NSW 1937–1938 Independent United Australia Party. Defeated the endorsed UAP candidate and joined the party soon afterwards.
Alexander Wilson Wimmera, Vic 1937–1945 Independent Country Party. A member of the United Country Party but sat in parliament as an independent.
Arthur Coles Henty, Vic 1940–1941
1941–1945
Briefly joined the United Australia Party in 1941.
Doris Blackburn Bourke, Vic 1946–1949 Independent Labor. First female federal independent MP.
Lewis Nott Australian Capital Territory 1949–1951 As the member for the Australian Capital Territory, could only vote on matters directly affecting the Territory. Previously the Nationalist member for Herbert in Queensland from 1925 to 1928.
Sam Benson Batman, Vic 1966–1969 Expelled from the Labor Party for supporting continued Australian involvement in the Vietnam War.
Ted Mack North Sydney, NSW 1990–1996
Phil Cleary Wills, Vic 1992
1993–1996
Disqualified in 1992.
Peter Andren Calare, NSW 1996–2007
Graeme Campbell Kalgoorlie, WA 1995–1996 Expelled from the Labor Party for supporting Australians Against Further Immigration. Formed the Australia First Party in 1996.
Paul Filing Moore, WA 1996–1998 Lost Liberal preselection and ran as an independent.
Pauline Hanson Oxley, Qld 1996–1997 Disendorsed Liberal. Formed One Nation in 1997.
Allan Rocher Curtin, WA 1996–1998 Lost Liberal preselection and ran as an independent.
Bob Katter Kennedy, Qld 2001–2011 Resigned from the National Party in 2001. Formed Katter's Australian Party in 2011.
Tony Windsor New England, NSW 2001–2013
Rob Oakeshott Lyne, NSW 2008–2013
Andrew Wilkie Clark, Tas 2010–present Held Division of Denison from 2010 to 2019, when the division was abolished and replaced by the Division of Clark
Cathy McGowan Indi, Vic 2013–2019
Kerryn Phelps Wentworth, NSW 2018–2019 Lost seat to Dave Sharma in 2019.
Zali Steggall Warringah, NSW 2019–present
Helen Haines Indi, VIC 2019–present First independent to succeed a previously elected independent (Cathy McGowan).
Kate Chaney Curtin, WA 2022–present
Zoe Daniel Goldstein, VIC 2022–present
Dai Le Fowler, NSW 2022–2023 Formed the Dai Le and Frank Carbone Network in 2023.
Monique Ryan Kooyong, VIC 2022–present
Sophie Scamps Mackellar, NSW 2022–present
Allegra Spender Wentworth, NSW 2022–present Granddaughter of Percy Spender, who also won an election as an independent.
Kylea Tink North Sydney, NSW 2022–present

Not elected as independent[edit]

Member Electorate Term Notes
Thomas Macdonald-Paterson Brisbane, Qld 1903 Lost Protectionist preselection.
Norman Cameron Wilmot, Tas 1906 Lost Anti-Socialist preselection.
James Ronald Southern Melbourne, Vic 1906 Seat abolished; lost Labor preselection for Melbourne Ports.
David Storrer Bass, Tas 1909–1910 Protectionist who refused to join the Liberal Party at the Fusion of 1909.
Jens Jensen Bass, Tas 1919 Lost Nationalist preselection.
Bruce Smith Parkes, NSW 1919 Lost Nationalist preselection.
William Higgs Capricornia, Qld 1920 Expelled from the Labor Party. Joined the Nationalist Party eight months later.
Alexander Hay New England, NSW 1922 Expelled from the Country Party.
Edward Mann Perth, WA 1929 Nationalist who crossed the floor to defeat the Bruce government.
Maurice Blackburn Bourke, Vic 1937
1941–1943
Expelled (twice) from the Labor Party.
Thomas Marwick Swan, WA 1943 Lost Country Party preselection.
Max Falstein Watson, NSW 1949 Expelled from the Labor Party.
Charles Russell Maranoa, Qld 1950–1951 Resigned from the Country Party.
Cyril Chambers Adelaide, SA 1957–1958 Expelled from the Labor Party for attacking H. V. Evatt's leadership. Readmitted the following year.
Charles Morgan Reid, NSW 1958 Lost Labor preselection.
Edward St John Warringah, NSW 1969 Resigned from the Liberal Party.
Jeff Bate Macarthur, NSW 1972 Lost Liberal preselection.
Alex Buchanan McMillan, Vic 1972 Lost Liberal preselection.
John Gorton Higgins, Vic 1975 Resigned from the Liberal Party; contested the Senate in the Australian Capital Territory.
Don Chipp Hotham, Vic 1977 Resigned from the Liberal Party; about three months later, formed the Australian Democrats. Elected to the Senate in 1977.
Bill Wentworth Mackellar, NSW 1977 Resigned from the Liberal Party and contested the Senate.
Keith Wright Capricornia, Qld 1993 Expelled from the Labor Party.
Tony Smith Dickson, Qld 1998 Lost Liberal preselection.
Paul Zammit Lowe, NSW 1998 Resigned from the Liberal Party.
Andrew Theophanous Calwell, Vic 2000–2001 Resigned from the Labor Party.
Peter King Wentworth, NSW 2004 Lost Liberal preselection.
Gavan O'Connor Corio, Vic 2007 Lost Labor preselection.
Harry Quick Franklin, Tas 2007 Expelled from the Labor Party.
Michael Johnson Ryan, Qld 2010 Expelled from the Liberal National Party.
Peter Slipper Fisher, Qld 2011–2013 Resigned from the Liberal National Party on election as Speaker.
Craig Thomson Dobell, NSW 2012–2013 Expelled from the Labor Party.
Dennis Jensen Tangney, WA 2016 Lost Liberal preselection.
Julia Banks Chisholm, Vic 2018–2019 Resigned from the Liberal Party.
Craig Kelly Hughes, NSW 2021 Resigned from the Liberal Party, and later joined the United Australia Party.
Andrew Gee Calare, NSW 2022–present Resigned from the National Party.
Russell Broadbent Monash, Vic 2023–present Resigned from the Liberal Party.

Senate[edit]

Senators elected as independents are quite rare. In modern politics, independent Brian Harradine served from 1975 to 2005 with considerable influence at times. Nick Xenophon was an elected independent Senator from his election to the Senate at the 2007 federal election. Xenophon was re-elected for another six-year term at the 2013 federal election.[2] He was re-elected at the 2016 double dissolution election under the Nick Xenophon Team. DLP Senator John Madigan became an independent Senator in September 2014,[3] but failed to be re-elected at the 2016 election. PUP Senators Jacqui Lambie and Glenn Lazarus became independent Senators in November 2014 and March 2015.[4][5] At the 2016 election, Lazarus lost his seat and Lambie was re-elected under the Jacqui Lambie Network. In the 2022 election, former rugby player David Pocock was elected as an independent Senator from the ACT, becoming the first independent Senator from a territory and the first non-major party member of parliament from the ACT.[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. However, this requirement does not apply to independent senators.

Won election or appointed as independent[edit]

Member State Term Notes
William Trenwith Victoria 1904–1909 Joined the Liberal Party at the Fusion of 1909.
Reg Turnbull Tasmania 1962–1969
1970–1974
Briefly leader of the Australia Party (1969–1970).
Syd Negus Western Australia 1971–1974
Michael Townley Tasmania 1971–1975
1987
Joined the Liberal Party in 1975; resigned to sit as an independent again in 1987.
Cleaver Bunton New South Wales 1975 Appointed by the New South Wales Parliament to replace a Labor senator.
Albert Field Queensland 1975 Appointed by the Queensland Parliament to replace a Labor senator.
Brian Harradine Tasmania 1975–2005
Jo Vallentine Western Australia 1985–1990 Resigned from the Nuclear Disarmament Party and re-elected under the "Vallentine Peace Group" ticket. Joined the Greens WA in 1990.
Nick Xenophon South Australia 2008–2016 Re-elected in 2016 under Nick Xenophon Team.
David Pocock ACT 2022–present First independent from a territory, elected under David Pocock party.

Not elected as independent[edit]

Member State Term Notes
Thomas Glassey Queensland 1903 Lost Protectionist preselection.
Anderson Dawson Queensland 1906 Announced retirement but then changed mind too late to overturn Labor preselection; contested as independent.
Sir Josiah Symon South Australia 1909–1913 Free Trader who refused to join the Liberal Party at the Fusion of 1909.
Cyril Cameron Tasmania 1913 Lost Liberal preselection.
James Ogden Tasmania 1925–1926 Expelled from the Labor Party. Joined the Nationalist Party in 1926.
Walter Duncan New South Wales 1929–1930 A supporter of Billy Hughes who was excluded from the Nationalist Party along with Hughes and his lower-house colleagues who voted to bring down the Bruce Government. Joined the Australian Party in 1930 and the United Australia Party in 1931.
Robert Elliott Victoria 1934–1935 Lost Country Party preselection.
John Daly South Australia 1934–1935 Expelled from the state Labor party for supporting James Scullin's economic policies.
Tom Arthur New South Wales 1943–1944 Lost Labor preselection.
Thomas Crawford Queensland 1945–1947 United Australia Party senator who was not asked to join the new Liberal Party.
Agnes Robertson Western Australia 1955 Lost Liberal preselection. Joined the Country Party three weeks later and won re-election.
Clive Hannaford South Australia 1967 Resigned from the Liberal Party over the government's support for the Vietnam War.
Reg Wright Tasmania 1978 Resigned from the Liberal Party.
Neville Bonner Queensland 1983 Lost Liberal preselection.
George Georges Queensland 1986–1987 Resigned from the Australian Labor Party.
Don Jessop South Australia 1987 Lost Liberal preselection.
Irina Dunn New South Wales 1988–1990 Appointed by the Nuclear Disarmament Party to fill the vacancy caused by Robert Wood's disqualification, and refused to resign to allow Wood to return to the Senate; subsequently expelled from the NDP. Contested 1990 election under the ticket "Irina Dunn's Environment Independents".
Janet Powell Victoria 1992–1993 Resigned from the Australian Democrats. Contested 1993 election under the ticket "Janet Powell Independents Network".
John Devereux Tasmania 1994–1995 Resigned from the Labor Party.
Noel Crichton-Browne Western Australia 1995–1996 Expelled from the Liberal Party.
Mal Colston Queensland 1996–1999 Resigned from the Labor Party to accept the Liberal Party's nomination as Deputy President of the Senate. Sponsored the registration of the "Queensland First" political party but retired in 1999.
Meg Lees South Australia 2002–2003 Resigned from the Australian Democrats in 2002. Formed the Australian Progressive Alliance in 2003.
Shayne Murphy Tasmania 2002–2005 Resigned from the Labor Party.
John Madigan Victoria 2014–2016 Resigned from the Democratic Labour Party.
Jacqui Lambie Tasmania 2014–2016 Resigned from the Palmer United Party. Re-elected in 2016 under Jacqui Lambie Network.
Glenn Lazarus Queensland 2015–2016 Resigned from the Palmer United Party.
Rod Culleton Queensland 2016–2017 Resigned from Pauline Hanson's One Nation.
Lucy Gichuhi South Australia 2017–2018 Refused to join merger of the Family First Party with the Australian Conservatives. Joined the Liberal Party in 2018.
Fraser Anning Queensland 2018, 2018–2019 Resigned from Pauline Hanson's One Nation in January 2018. Joined Katter's Australian Party in June, but was expelled in October and became an independent again.
Steve Martin Tasmania 2018 Expelled from the Jacqui Lambie Network before being sworn in. Joined the National Party several months later.
Tim Storer South Australia 2018–2019 Resigned from the Nick Xenophon Team before being sworn in.
Cory Bernardi South Australia 2019–2020 Disbanded the Australian Conservatives, the party he formed after resigning from the Liberal Party in 2017.
Rex Patrick South Australia 2020–2021 Resigned from Centre Alliance in August 2020. Formed the Rex Patrick Team in 2021.
Lidia Thorpe Victoria 2023–present Resigned from the Greens in February 2023.
David Van Victoria 2023–present Resigned from Liberal Party in June 2023.

States and territories[edit]

New South Wales[edit]

New South Wales Legislative Assembly[edit]

Won election as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
James Geraghty North Sydney 1950–1953 Re-elected as an independent in 1950 after being stripped of Labor preselection to recontest his seat.
John Seiffert Monaro 1950 Re-elected as an independent in 1950 after being stripped of Labor preselection to recontest his seat; readmitted to caucus after the election.
Jim Chalmers Hartley 1953–1956 Resigned from the Labor Party in 1953 and re-elected as an independent.
Tom Armstrong Kahibah 1953–1957
Bill Weiley Clarence 1955 Elected as independent Country, then joined the Country Party.
Frank Purdue Waratah 1959–1962
1964–1965
Douglas Darby Manly 1962–1968 Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1962. Rejoined in 1968.
Harold Coates Blue Mountains 1965–1976
Joe Lawson Murray 1968–1973 Resigned from the Country Party in 1968.
John Hatton South Coast 1973–1995
Ted Mack North Shore 1981–1988
Bruce Duncan Lismore 1982–1988 Resigned from the National Party in 1982.
Frank Arkell Wollongong 1984–1991
Dawn Fraser Balmain 1988–1991
George Keegan Newcastle 1988–1991
Clover Moore Bligh
Sydney
1988–2012
Robyn Read North Shore 1988–1991
Ivan Welsh Swansea 1988–1991
Peter Macdonald Manly 1991–1999
Tony Windsor Tamworth 1991–2001
David Barr Manly 1999–2007
Tony McGrane Dubbo 1999–2004
Richard Torbay Northern Tablelands 1999–2013
Rob Oakeshott Port Macquarie 2002–2008 Resigned from the National Party in March 2002. Re-elected as an independent in 2003 and 2007. Resigned from parliament in August 2008 to contest the Lyne federal by-election.
Peter Draper Tamworth 2003–2011
Dawn Fardell Dubbo 2004–2011
Alex McTaggart Pittwater 2005–2007
Greg Piper Lake Macquarie 2007–present
Peter Besseling Port Macquarie 2008–2011
Alex Greenwich Sydney 2012–present
Joe McGirr Wagga Wagga 2018–present
Gareth Ward Kiama 2021–present Elected as a Liberal in 2011, was expelled from the party in 2021 and reelected as an independent.
Roy Butler Barwon 2022–present Elected as a Shooters, Fishers and Farmers in 2019, left the party in 2022.
Helen Dalton Murray 2022–present Elected as a Shooters, Fishers and Farmers in 2019, left the party in 2022.
Philip Donato Orange 2022–present Elected as a Shooters, Fishers and Farmers in 2016, left the party in 2022.
Judy Hannan Wollondilly 2023–present
Michael Regan Wakehurst 2023–present
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Clive Evatt Hurstville 1956–1959 Expelled from the Labor Party in July 1956.
Alfred Dennis Blacktown 1962 Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1962 after losing preselection for a safer seat.
Ben Doig Burwood 1964–1965 Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1964 after losing preselection.
Bill Chaffey Tamworth 1972–1973 Resigned from the Country Party in 1972.
Laurie McGinty Willoughby 1977–1978 Resigned from the Liberal Party in September 1977 after losing preselection to recontest his seat.
Max Smith Pittwater 1984–1986 Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1984. Resigned from parliament in 1986.
Terry Metherell Davidson 1991–1992 Resigned from the Liberal Party in October 1991. Resigned from parliament in April 1992.
Terry Griffiths Georges River 1994–1995 Resigned from the Liberal Party in October 1994.
Steven Pringle Hawkesbury 2006–2007 Resigned from the Liberal Party in October 2006 after losing preselection for the 2007 election.
Milton Orkopoulos Swansea 2006 Expelled from the Labor Party on 8 November 2006 after being charged with child sex offences. Resigned from parliament under threat of an expulsion vote on 13 November.
Steven Chaytor Macquarie Fields 2007 Expelled from the Labor Party in January 2007.
Bryce Gaudry Newcastle 2007 Resigned from the Labor Party in January 2007 after losing preselection for the 2007 election.
Chris Hartcher Terrigal 2014–2015 Resigned from the Liberal parliamentary party due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Chris Spence The Entrance 2014–2015 Resigned from the Liberal parliamentary party due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Darren Webber Wyong 2014–2015 Resigned from the Liberal parliamentary party due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Andrew Cornwell Charlestown 2014 Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party on 6 August 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Resigned from parliament on 12 August.
Tim Owen Newcastle 2014 Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party on 6 August 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Resigned from parliament on 12 August.
Garry Edwards Swansea 2014–2015 Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party in August 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Recontested the 2015 election as an independent and lost.
Bart Bassett Londonderry 2014–2015 Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party in August 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Craig Baumann Port Stephens 2014–2015 Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party in September 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Glenn Brookes East Hills 2016–2017 Resigned from Liberal party in March 2016 after his campaign manager was charged with electoral offences, He re-joined the party in 2017. Retired in 2019.
Daryl Maguire Wagga Wagga 2018 Resigned from the Liberal party in July due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Resigned from parliament in 2018.
John Sidoti Drummoyne 2021–2023 Resigned from Liberal party due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigation. Retired in 2023.
Tania Mihailuk Bankstown 2022–2023 Resigend from Labor party due to disagreements with the party. Joined One Nation in 2023 and ran for a seat in the upper house but failed to win.

New South Wales Legislative Council[edit]

Elected as independent[edit]

All of these MPs were indirectly elected by MPs under the former system between 1934 and 1978.

Member Term Notes
Frank Spicer 1934–1949 Had been a member of the Federal Labor Party in the 1931 Labor split, did not rejoin the party afterwards, joined the Country Party in 1949.
Joseph Gardiner 1934–1937
Theodore Trautwein 1934–1940
Stanley Parry 1940–1952
Asher Joel 1958–1959 Joined the Country Party in 1959.
Harry Sullivan 1970–1974 Joined the Country Party in 1974.
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member Term Notes
Thomas Murray 1926–1958 Expelled from the Labor Party in 1926.
Hector Clayton 1937–1973 A United Australia Party member upon election, but subsequently resigned as he believed it should be a non-partisan house.
Toby MacDiarmid 1985–1989 Resigned from the National Party in April 1985.
Marie Bignold 1988–1991 Expelled from the Call to Australia Party in November 1988.
Richard Jones 1996–2003 Resigned from the Australian Democrats in March 1996. Did not face re-election in 1999. Retired in 2003.
Franca Arena 1997–1999 Expelled from the Labor Party in November 1997 after her unsubstantiated accusations of pedophilia led to the suicide of a Supreme Court judge.
Helen Sham-Ho 1998–1999 Resigned from the Liberal Party in June 1998.
David Oldfield 2000–2001
2004–2007
Expelled from One Nation in October 2000. Founded One Nation NSW in 2001. Resigned from One Nation NSW in December 2004 and served out his term as an independent.
Gordon Moyes 2009 Expelled from the Christian Democratic Party in March 2009. Joined the Family First Party in November 2009.
Eric Roozendaal 2012–2013 Suspended from the Labor Party in November 2012. Resigned from parliament in May 2013.
Marie Ficarra 2014–2015 Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party in April 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Mike Gallacher 2014–2017 Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party in May 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations.
Jeremy Buckingham 2018–2022 Resigned from The Greens in 2018 after he was accused of sexual violence. Ran as an Independent in 2019 but failed to win re-election. Joined the Legalize Cannabis Party in 2022 and won a seat in the Legislative Council in 2023.
Matthew Mason-Cox 2021 Was expelled from the Liberal party for two weeks due to a disagreement in the party
Fred Nile 2022 Former member of the Call to Australia party, Christian Democratic party, Christ in government (Fred Nile Alliance) and the Seniors United Party of Australia, he sat as an independent in 2022 before forming the Revive Australia Party.
Justin Field 2019–2023 Resigned from The Greens in April 2019 due to disagreement with party. Retired in 2023.
Mark Latham 2023-present Resigned from One Nation after Leadership dispute with Pauline Hanson
Rod Roberts 2023-present Left One Nation with Mark Latham

Victoria[edit]

Victorian Legislative Assembly[edit]

Won election as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Charlie Mutton Coburg 1940–1956 Expelled from the Labor Party in 1940 after winning the seat as an Independent Labor candidate. Re-elected as an independent until he was readmitted to the Labor Party in 1956.
Bob Suggett Moorabbin 1961–1964 Lost Liberal preselection for the 1961 election. Re-elected as an Independent Liberal. Readmitted to the Liberal Party in 1964.
Jack Mutton Coburg 1967–1979
Russell Savage Mildura 1996–2006
Susan Davies Gippsland West 1997–2002
Craig Ingram Gippsland East 1999–2010
Suzanna Sheed Shepparton 2014–2022
Ali Cupper Mildura 2018–2022
Russell Northe Morwell 2018–2022 Initially became independent after resigning from the National Party 2017 for personal reasons. Elected in own right as independent at 2018 election.
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Charles Francis Caulfield 1977–1979 Expelled from the Liberal Party after abstaining on an opposition no-confidence motion.
Doug Jennings Westernport 1977–1979 Expelled from the Liberal Party after abstaining on an opposition no-confidence motion.
Harley Dickinson South Barwon 1992 Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 1992 after losing preselection for the 1992 election.
Peter McLellan Frankston East 1998–1999 Resigned from the Liberal Party in July 1998. Died on the day of the 1999 election while recontesting as an independent.
Geoff Shaw Frankston 2013–2014 Resigned from the Liberal Party in March 2013.
Don Nardella Melton 2017–2018 Resigned from Labor Party due to conflict of interest, retired.

Victorian Legislative Council[edit]

Not elected as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Percy Feltham Northern Province 1965–1967 Resigned from the Country Party in 1965 over a dispute about the Council presidency.
Alexander Knight Melbourne West Province 1977–1979 Lost Labor preselection in 1977 for the 1979 election, and was an independent by that time.
Rod Mackenzie Geelong Province 1987–1992 Resigned from the Labor Party in December 1987. Was not up for re-election in 1988. Formed the Geelong Community Alliance in 1992.
Carolyn Hirsh Silvan Province 2004–2005, 2006 Expelled from the Labor Party in 2004 after being charged with drink-driving offences. Readmitted in 2005, but expelled again in 2006 after further charges were laid.
Dianne Hadden Ballarat Province 2005–2006 Resigned from the Labor Party in April 2005.
Andrew Olexander Silvan Province 2005–2006 Expelled from the Liberal Party in November 2005 following critical comments made after losing preselection due to a drink-driving scandal.
Rachel Carling-Jenkins Western Metropolitan Region 2018 Resigned from the Democratic Labour Party in June 2017 to join the Australian Conservatives. Resigned from the Australian Conservatives in August 2018.
Catherine Cumming Western Metropolitan Region 2018–2022 Resigned from Derryn Hinch's Justice Party prior to being sworn in following the 2018 election.
Adem Somyurek South-Eastern Metropolitan Region 2020–2022 Resigned from Labor party in 2020. Joined the DLP in 2022 and won in the Northern Metropolitan Region.
Kaushaliya Vaghela Western Metropolitan Region 2022 Resigned from Labor party in 2022. Formed the New Democrats and contested at 2022 election but lost seat.

Queensland[edit]

Queensland Legislative Assembly[edit]

Won election as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Frank Barnes Bundaberg 1941–1950
George Marriott Bulimba 1941–1950 Expelled from the Labor Party in November 1941. Re-elected as an independent.
Lou Barnes Cairns 1942–1947
John Beals Chandler Hamilton 1943 Formed the Queensland People's Party soon after election.
Louis Luckins Maree 1944 Re-elected as an independent in 1944 after disputes with the new Queensland People's Party. Joined the QPP later that year.
Jim Houghton Redcliffe 1960–1961, 1962 Elected as an independent. Joined the Liberal Party in 1961. Resigned to sit as an independent months later. Joined the Country Party in 1962.
Alf Muller Fassifern 1961–1965 Resigned from the Country Party in 1961. Rejoined in 1965.
Arthur Coburn Burdekin 1950–1969
Bunny Adair Cook 1961–1969 Refused to support the merger of the Queensland Labor Party into the Democratic Labor Party. Re-elected as an independent in 1963 and 1966.
Ted Walsh Bundaberg 1961–1969 Refused to support the merger of the Queensland Labor Party into the Democratic Labor Party. Re-elected as an independent in 1963 and 1966.
Ed Casey Mackay 1972–1977 Resigned from the Labor Party in 1972 after losing preselection for the 1972 election, re-elected as an independent in 1972 and 1974, readmitted to the Labor Party in 1977.
Lindsay Hartwig Callide 1981–1986 Expelled from the National Party in 1981. Re-elected as an independent in 1983.
Liz Cunningham Gladstone 1995–2015
Dorothy Pratt Nanango 1999–2012 Resigned from One Nation in February 1999, and was re-elected four times as an independent.
Peter Wellington Nicklin 1998–2017
John Kingston Maryborough 1999–2003 Resigned from One Nation in February 1999. Re-elected as an independent in 2001.
Lex Bell Surfers Paradise 2001–2004 Won by-election following resignation of former Premier Borbidge. Defeated at 2004 election.
Elisa Roberts Gympie 2002–2006 Resigned from One Nation in April 2002. Re-elected as an independent in 2004. Defeated in 2006
Chris Foley Maryborough 2003–2012
Sandy Bolton Noosa 2017–present
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Frank Roberts Nundah 1953–1956 Resigned from the Labor Party in 1953.
Tom Foley Belyando 1956–1957 Expelled from the Labor Party in 1956. Joined the Queensland Labor Party in 1957.
Mick Gardner Rockhampton 1956–1957 Expelled from the Labor Party in 1956. Joined the Queensland Labor Party in 1957.
Alex Dewar Wavell 1968–1969 Resigned from the Liberal Party in August 1968.
Col Bennett South Brisbane 1972 Lost Labor preselection in 1972 and expelled for running for re-election as an independent.
Merv Thackeray Rockhampton North 1972 Lost Labor preselection in 1972 and expelled for running for re-election as an independent.
Lou Jensen Bundaberg 1977 Resigned from the Labor Party after losing preselection for the 1977 election.
Col Miller Ithaca 1984–1986 Resigned from the Liberal Party in August 1984.
Joe Kruger Murrumba 1986 Resigned from the Labor Party in 1986 after losing preselection for the 1986 election.
Eric Shaw Manly 1988–1989 Resigned from the Labor Party in September 1988 after losing preselection for the 1989 election.
Lin Powell Isis 1989 Resigned from the National Party in June 1989.
Geoff Muntz Whitsunday 1989 Resigned from the National Party in November 1989.
Shaun Nelson Tablelands 1999–2001 Resigned from One Nation in February 1999.
Ken Turner Thuringowa 1999–2001 Resigned from One Nation in February 1999.
Jeff Knuth Burdekin 1999 Resigned from One Nation in February 1999. Founded the Country Party QLD in August 1999.
Jim Elder Capalaba 2000–2001 Resigned from the Labor Party in November 2000 in the wake of the Shepherdson Inquiry
Grant Musgrove Springwood 2000–2001 Resigned from the Labor Party in December 2000 in the wake of the Shepherdson Inquiry.
Mike Kaiser Woodridge 2001 Resigned from the Labor Party in January 2001 in the wake of the Shepherdson Inquiry
Cate Molloy Noosa 2006 Resigned from the Labor Party in August 2006 after losing preselection for the 2006 election
Aidan McLindon Beaudesert 2010 Resigned from the Liberal National Party in May 2010 and sat as an independent until his new party, The Queensland Party, was formally registered in August
Rob Messenger Burnett 2010–2012 Resigned from the Liberal National Party in May 2010. Defeated in 2012.
Alex Douglas Gaven 2012–2013
2014–2015
Resigned from the Liberal National Party in November 2012 and sat as an independent until joining the Palmer United Party in April 2013. Resigned from the Palmer United Party in August 2014 and again sat as an independent until his defeat in 2015
Carl Judge Yeerongpilly 2012–2013
2014–2015
Resigned from the Liberal National Party in November 2012 and sat as an independent until joining the Palmer United Party in April 2013. Resigned from the Palmer United Party in October 2014 and again sat as an independent until his defeat in 2015
Scott Driscoll Redcliffe 2013 Suspended from the Liberal National Party in March 2013. Resigned from parliament in November 2013.
Billy Gordon Cook 2015–2017 Expelled from the Labor Party in March 2015. Retired in 2017.
Rob Pyne Cairns 2016–2017 Resigned from the Labor Party in March 2016. Defeated in 2017.
Rick Williams Pumicestone 2017 Resigned from the Labor Party in October 2017 after being disendorsed for the 2017 election, at which he was then defeated as an independent.

Western Australia[edit]

Western Australian Legislative Assembly[edit]

Won election as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Jack Smith Nelson 1921–1922 Joined the Country Party in September 1922.
John Boyland Kalgoorlie 1921–1922 Independent Nationalist.
Frederick Warner Mount Marshall 1933–1936 Independent Country. Joined the Country Party in 1936.
Clarence Doust Nelson 1936–1939
Thomas Hughes East Perth 1936–1943 Independent Labor 1936–1939.
Harry Shearn Maylands 1936–1951 Independent Nationalist 1936–1945, Independent Liberal 1945–1950.
Claude Barker Irwin-Moore 1939
Horace Berry Irwin-Moore 1939–1947
Lionel Kelly Yilgarn-Coolgardie 1941–1946 Independent Country 1941–1943. Joined the Labor Party in July 1946.
Ray Owen Swan 1944–1947 Independent Country until 1947.
William Read Victoria Park 1945–1953
David Grayden Nedlands 1950–1953
Noel Butcher Gascoyne 1951–1953 Independent Liberal.
Bill Grayden South Perth 1956–1959 Independent Liberal. Joined the Liberal Party in 1959.
Edward Oldfield Mount Lawley 1956–1962 Independent Liberal.
Phillip Pendal South Perth 1995–2005 Resigned from the Liberal Party in March 1995. Re-elected as an independent in 1997 and 2001.
Ernie Bridge Kimberley 1996–2001 Resigned from the Labor Party in July 1996. Re-elected as an independent in 1997.
Larry Graham Pilbara 2000–2005 Resigned from the Labor Party in February 2000. Re-elected as an independent in 2001.
Liz Constable Floreat
Churchlands
1991–2013
Janet Woollard Alfred Cove 2001–2013 Member of Liberals for Forests in 2001, but stood as an independent due to party being unregistered.
John Bowler Murchison-Eyre
Kalgoorlie
2006–2013 Expelled from the Labor Party in February 2006. Re-elected as an independent in 2008.
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Albert Wilson Forrest 1906–1908 Resigned from the Labor Party in 1906 after being censured by the Labor caucus.
James Mann Beverley 1949 Resigned from the Country Party in March 1949 and sat as an independent until joining the Liberal Party in May 1949.
Jack Skidmore Swan 1981–1982 Resigned from the Labor Party in September 1981 after Brian Burke became leader.
Tom Dadour Subiaco 1984–1986 Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1984 over policy differences.
Ian Thompson Darling Range 1989–1993 Resigned from the Liberal Party in September 1989.
Pam Buchanan Ashburton 1991–1992 Resigned from the Labor Party in February 1991 after being left out of the ministry. First female independent.
Ian Alexander Perth 1991–1993 Resigned from the Labor Party in March 1991 over policy differences, joined the Greens after leaving parliament.
Frank Donovan Morley 1991–1993 Resigned from the Labor Party in October 1991 over policy differences.
Bernie Masters Vasse 2004–2005 Resigned from the Liberal Party in February 2004 after losing preselection for the 2005 election.
John D'Orazio Ballajura 2006–2008, 2008 Expelled from the Labor Party in August 2006. Readmitted in April 2008. Resigned from the party in June 2008.
Sue Walker Nedlands 2008 Resigned from the Liberal Party in February 2008.
Dan Sullivan Leschenault 2008 Resigned from the Liberal Party in February 2008. Joined the Family First Party in June.
Bob Kucera Yokine 2008 Resigned from the Labor Party in May 2008 after losing preselection for the 2008 election.
Paul Omodei Warren-Blackwood 2008 Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 2008.
Adele Carles Fremantle 2010–2013 Resigned from the Greens in May 2010.
Rob Johnson Hillarys 2016–2017 Resigned from the Liberal Party in April 2016.
Barry Urban Darling Range 2017–2018 Resigned from Labor Party in November 2017 after misleading Parliament, Resigned from Parliament in May 2018.

Western Australian Legislative Council[edit]

Won election as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Joseph Holmes North Province 1914–1942
Cyril Cornish North Province 1942–1946
Reg Davies North Metropolitan Region 1991–1997 Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1991. Re-elected in 1993. Defeated in 1996. Term expired 1997.
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Ron Thompson South Metropolitan Region 1977–1980 Expelled from the Labor Party in 1977 after publicly opposing its policy on homosexuality.
Sam Piantadosi North Metropolitan Region 1996 Resigned from the Labor Party in April 1996. Resigned from the Legislative Council in November to contest a Legislative Assembly seat at the 1996 election.
Mark Nevill Mining and Pastoral 1999–2001 Resigned from the Labor Party in August 1999.
Tom Helm Mining and Pastoral 2000–2001 Resigned from the Labor Party in July 2000 after losing preselection for the 2001 election.
Paddy Embry South West 2003–2004 Resigned from One Nation in May 2003. Joined the New Country Party in 2004.
Alan Cadby North Metropolitan 2004–2005 Resigned from the Liberal Party in June 2004 after losing preselection for the 2005 election.
John Fischer Mining and Pastoral 2004–2005 Resigned from One Nation in June 2004.
Frank Hough Agricultural 2004 Resigned from One Nation in June 2004. Sat as an independent until joining the New Country Party the same year.
Shelley Archer Mining and Pastoral 2007–2008 Resigned from the Labor Party in November 2007.
Anthony Fels Agricultural 2008 Resigned from the Liberal Party in July 2008. He sat as an independent for a period before recontesting that year's election as a Family First Party candidate.
Max Trenorden Agricultural 2012–2013 Resigned from the National Party in late 2012 after losing preselection for the 2013 election.
Philip Gardiner Agricultural 2012–2013 Resigned from the National Party in late 2012 in protest at Trenorden's preselection loss.
Charles Smith East Metropolitan 2019–2020 Resigned from One Nation in June 2019, He joined the Western Australia Party in May 2020.
James Hayward South West 2021–2023 Was elected as a member of the Nationals in 2021, resigned from The Nationals in 2021 after he was suspended from the party due to criminal sex charges being laid against him.
Ben Dawkins South West 2023–2024 Was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2023 but was suspended and expelled from the Labor Party before he could take his position due to him breaching a violence order, he joined One Nation in 2024.

South Australia[edit]

South Australian House of Assembly[edit]

Won election as independent[edit]
Member District Term Notes
Herbert Basedow Barossa 1927–1930
1933
Thomas Thompson Port Adelaide 1927, 1927–1930 Known as "Independent Protestant Labour".
Daniel Davies Yorke Peninsula 1933–1941
Tom Stott Ridley 1933–1970
George Connor Alexandra 1934–1941
Albert Robinson Wooroora
Gouger
1934–1943
Doug Bardolph Adelaide 1935–1944 First elected as a Lang Labor Party MP in 1933, rejoined the Labor Party in the 1934 reconciliation, resigned to sit as an independent in 1935.
Herbert Dunn Stirling 1938–1940 Joined the Liberal and Country League in 1940.
William Fisk Glenelg 1938–1940
John Fletcher Mount Gambier 1938–1958
George Illingworth Goodwood 1938–1941
Jules Langdon Thebarton 1938–1942
William Macgillivray Chaffey 1938–1956
John McLeay, senior Unley 1938–1941
Richard McKenzie Murray 1938–1943 Joined the Labor Party in 1943.
Clement Smith Victoria 1938–1941
Percy Quirke Burra 1948–1963 Resigned from the Labor Party in 1948. Joined the Liberal Party in 1963.
Ted Connelly Pirie 1975–1977
Norm Peterson Semaphore 1979–1993
Martyn Evans Elizabeth 1984–1993 Joined the Labor Party in 1993.
Stan Evans Davenport 1985–1986 Had won re-election as an independent in 1985 after losing Liberal preselection, but rejoined the Liberal Party in 1986.
Rory McEwen Mount Gamber 1997–2010
Mitch Williams MacKillop 1997–1999 Joined the Liberal Party in 1999.
Peter Lewis Hammond 2000–2006 Expelled from the Liberal Party in July 2000.
Bob Such Fisher 2000–2014 Resigned from the Liberal Party in October 2000.
Kris Hanna Mitchell 2006–2010 Had been re-elected as a Labor MP in 2002, joined the Greens in 2003, and resigned to sit as an independent before the 2006 election.
Geoff Brock Frome/Stuart 2009–present Originally to elected to Frome in 2009 he transferred to Stuart in 2022 after a redistribution.
Don Pegler Mount Gambier 2010–2014
Frances Bedford Florey 2017–2022 Originally elected as a Labor MP in 1997, she became an independent in 2017 after losing Labor pre-selection, Lost seat after trying to Newland in 2022.
Troy Bell Mount Gambier 2017–present Resigned from the liberal party in August 2017 due to criminal charges.
Dan Cregan Kavel 2021–present Resigned from Liberal Party in October due to disagreements with the government.
Fraser Ellis Narungga 2021–present Lost preselection and resigned from the Liberal Party in 2021 after corruption findings.
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member District Term Notes
E. H. Coombe Barossa 1910–1912 Refused to sign the Liberal Union pledge when his party merged into it in 1910
Clarence Goode Victoria 1918 Resigned from the National Party in 1918 after losing preselection to recontest his seat
Maurice Parish Murray 1918 Resigned from the National Party in 1918 after losing preselection to recontest his seat
Crawford Vaughan East Torrens 1918 Resigned from the National Party in 1918
John Albert Southwood East Torrens 1920–1921 Resigned from the National Party in 1920
Terry Groom Hartley 1991–1993 Resigned from the Labor Party in 1991 after losing preselection to recontest his seat
Murray De Laine Price 2001–2002 Resigned from the Labor Party in August 2001 after losing preselection to recontest his seat
Ralph Clarke Ross Smith 2001–2002 Resigned from the Labor Party in November 2001 after losing preselection to recontest his seat
Martin Hamilton-Smith Waite 2014–2018 Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 2014.
Duncan McFetridge Morphett 2017–2018 Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 2017.
Sam Duluk Waite 2020-2022 Resigned from the Liberal Party in February 2020. Lost re-election
Nick McBride Mackillop 2023–present Resigned from the Liberal Party in July 2023.

South Australian Legislative Council[edit]

Won election as independent[edit]
Member District Term Notes
Joseph Anderson Central No. 1 1931–1944
Alec Bagot Southern 1938–1941
Frank Halleday Southern 1938–1943
Nick Xenophon South Australia 1997–2007
Ann Bressington South Australia 2006–2014 Elected on an Independent No Pokies ticket.
John Darley South Australia 2007–2022 Appointed to a casual vacancy following the resignation of Independent No Pokies MLC Nick Xenophon. Re-elected on an Independent Nick Xenophon Team ticket in 2014. Became purely independent in 2017.
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member District Term Notes
James Wilson Central No. 1 1915–1918 Expelled from the United Labor Party in 1915, sat as an independent until joining National Labor in 1917.
Frederick Wallis Central No. 2 1918–1921 Expelled from Australian Labor Party in 1918.
Alfred von Doussa Southern 1921 The Liberal Union refused to accept his preselection nomination for the 1921 election.
Stanley Whitford Central No. 1 1934–1941 Resigned from the Parliamentary Labor Party in March 1934.
Norm Foster South Australia 1982 Resigned from the Labor Party in June 1982 to support the construction of the Olympic Dam.
Terry Cameron South Australia 1998–1999, 2002–2006 Resigned from the Labor Party to support the sale of ETSA in August 1998. Founded the SA First party in March 1999. Disbanded party and returned to sitting as an independent in 2002. Defeated in 2006.
Trevor Crothers South Australia 1999–2002 Resigned from the Labor Party to support the sale of ETSA in June 1999. Defeated in 2002.
David Winderlich South Australia 2009–2010 Resigned from the Australian Democrats in October 2009. Defeated in 2010.
Bernard Finnigan South Australia 2011–2015 Expelled from the Labor Party in May 2011 following his being charged with child pornography offences. Resigned from parliament in 2015.
Frank Pangallo South Australia 2023-present Left SA-Best after disagreements with party leader.

Tasmania[edit]

Lower House[edit]

Won election as independent[edit]

Member Electorate Term Notes
Kristie Johnston Clark 2021-present
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
John Tucker Lyons 2023-present Resigned from Liberals in May 2023 over stadium saga.
Lara Alexander Bass 2023-present Resigned from Liberals in May 2023 over stadium saga.
Elise Archer Clark 2023 Ousted from Liberal party in September 2023 after bullying allegations and stood down from parliament in the October.

Upper house[edit]

Australian Capital Territory[edit]

Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly[edit]

Won election as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Michael Moore Molonglo 1989–2001 Resigned from Residents Rally in October 1989. Re-elected on the "Moore Independents Group" ticket in 1992, 1995 and 1998.
Helen Szuty None 1992–1995 Elected on the "Moore Independents Group" ticket in 1992 and sat as an independent. Defeated in 1995.
Paul Osborne Brindabella 1995–2001 Elected on the "Osborne Independents Group" ticket in 1995 and re-elected in 1998. Defeated in 2001.
Dave Rugendyke Ginninderra 1998–2001 Elected on the "Osborne Independents Group" ticket in 1998. Defeated in 2001.
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Robyn Nolan None 1991 Resigned from the Liberal Party in October 1991. Formed the New Conservative Group in November.
Trevor Kaine Brindabella 1998 Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 1998. Formed the United Canberra Party in July.
Helen Cross Molonglo 2002–2004 Expelled from the Liberal Party in September 2002. Defeated as "Helen Cross Independents" in 2004.
Richard Mulcahy Molonglo 2007–2008 Expelled from the Liberal Party in December 2007. Formed the Richard Mulcahy Canberra Party in August 2008.

Northern Territory[edit]

Northern Territory Legislative Assembly[edit]

Won election as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Dawn Lawrie Nightcliff 1974–1983
Ron Withnall Port Darwin 1974–1977
Denis Collins Sadadeen
Greatorex
1986–1994 Lost CLP preselection in 1986 and re-elected as an independent in 1987 and 1990. Defeated in 1994.
Noel Padgham-Purich Koolpinyah
Nelson
1987–1997 Lost CLP preselection for the 1987 election and re-elected as an independent in 1987, 1990 and 1994
Loraine Braham Braitling 2001–2008 Resigned from the CLP in 2001 after losing preselection, and re-elected as an independent in 2001 and 2005
Gerry Wood Nelson 2001–2020
Robyn Lambley Araluen 2015–present Resigned from the CLP in June 2015. Re-elected as an independent in 2016
Kezia Purick Goyder 2015–present Resigned from the CLP in July 2015. Re-elected as an independent in 2016
Yingiya Mark Guyula Nhulunbuy 2016–present
Terry Mills Blain 2016–2020
Not elected as independent[edit]
Member Electorate Term Notes
Rod Oliver Alice Springs 1979–1980 Resigned from the CLP in August 1979
Ian Tuxworth Barkly 1986 Expelled from the CLP in December 1986. Founded the Northern Territory Nationals two weeks later
Col Firmin Ludmilla 1990 Lost CLP preselection for the 1990 election
Max Ortmann Brennan 1994 Lost CLP preselection for the 1994 election
Peter Maley Goyder 2005 Expelled from the CLP in May 2005
Marion Scrymgour Arafura 2009 Resigned from the ALP in June 2009. Rejoined the party in August.
Alison Anderson MacDonnell
Namatjira
2009–2011,
2014,
2014–2016
Resigned from the ALP in August 2009 and sat as an independent before joining the CLP in September 2011. Re-elected as a CLP member in 2012. Resigned from the CLP in April 2014 and sat as an independent for two weeks before joining the Palmer United Party. Resigned from the PUP in November 2014 and again sat as an independent.
Ross Bohlin Drysdale 2012 Lost CLP preselection for the 2012 election
Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu Arafura 2014 Resigned from the CLP in April 2014. Rejoined the party in September.
Larisa Lee Arnhem 2014–2016 Resigned from the CLP in April 2014 and sat as an independent before joining the Palmer United Party two weeks later. Resigned from the PUP in November 2014 and again sat as an independent.
Delia Lawrie Karama 2014–2016 Resigned from the ALP in October 2015 after losing preselection for the 2016 election.
Nathan Barrett Blain 2016 Resigned from the CLP
Mark Turner Blain 2023-present Expelled from Labor party in June 2023.

Independents with party affliation[edit]

Federal[edit]

House of Reprsentatives[edit]

Member Electorate Party Term Notes
Dai Le Fowler Independent-DLFCN 2023-present Founded party in 2023 but contuines to sit as an independent in parliament

Senate[edit]

Member Electorate Party Term Notes
David Pocock ACT Independent-David Pocock 2022-present Elected with David Pocock party ticket but sits as an independent.

State and Territory[edit]

Victoria[edit]

Legislative Assembly[edit]
Member Electorate Party Term Notes
Will Fowles Ringwood Independent Labor 2023-present Removed from party room due to criminal investigation.
Legislative Council[edit]
Member Electorate Party Term Notes
Moira Deeming Western Metropolitan Region Independent Liberal 2023-present Expelled from party room after attempting to sue party leader.

Western Australia[edit]

Legislative Council[edit]
Member Electorate Party Term Notes
Wilson Tucker Mining and Pastoral Region Independent-Daylight Saving Party 2023-present Party deregistered due to new laws in 2023, Wilson Tucker is still a party member just sits as an independent.

References[edit]

  1. ^ corporateName=Australian Electoral Commission; address=10 Mort Street, Canberra ACT 2600; contact=13 23 26. "Australian Independents". Australian Electoral Commission. Retrieved 20 September 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "Senate Results: South Australia - Australia Votes | Federal Election 2013 (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)". ABC News. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  3. ^ John Madigan: APH biography
  4. ^ "Senator Jacqui Lambie". APH. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  5. ^ "Senator Glenn Lazarus". APH. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  6. ^ "Senator David Pocock". APH. Retrieved 21 June 2022.

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Nine in New South Wales, one in Queensland, five in South Australia, Three in Tasmania and four in the Northern Territory.
  2. ^ One in Western Australia, six in Tasmania, Two in New South Wales and One in South Australia.
  3. ^ One in Victoria.
  4. ^ One in Victoria and One in Western Australia.