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  4. Why elect an independent? Doesn’t an MP need to be with a party to form government and be effective?
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Why elect an independent? Doesn’t an MP need to be with a party to form government and be effective?

Answer

There is nothing in the Australian constitution or system of government that requires an MP to be a member of a party or that prevents independents helping form government. Indeed, independents can be very effective if they hold a balance of power position, and even if they don’t. Independents can be the most effective representatives of their constituents because they do not have a party to answer to first.