Independent politicians in Australia

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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.

Contents

Background

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:

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

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

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

MemberElectorateTermNotes
Alexander Paterson Capricornia, Qld1901–1903Independent Free Trade.
James Wilkinson Moreton, Qld1901–1904Independent Labour. Joined Labour caucus in 1904.
Sir Frederick Holder Wakefield, SA1901–1909Elected as a Free Trader; became an independent on election as inaugural Speaker.
George Fairbairn Fawkner, Vic1906–1909Part of the independent "Corner group". Joined the Liberal Party at the Fusion in 1909.
Sir John Quick Bendigo, Vic1906–1909Part of the independent "Corner group"; formerly a Protectionist from 1901 to 1906. Joined the Liberal Party at the Fusion in 1909.
Sydney Sampson Wimmera, Vic1906–1909Part of the independent "Corner group". Joined the Liberal Party at the Fusion in 1909.
Agar Wynne Balaclava, Vic1906–1909Part of the independent "Corner group". Joined the Liberal Party at the Fusion in 1909.
Sir William Lyne Hume, NSW1909–1913A Protectionist who refused to join the Liberal Party at the Fusion of 1909.
George Wise Gippsland, Vic1909–1913
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, Vic1919–1922Independent Nationalist. Joined the Nationalist Party in 1922.
William Watson Fremantle, WA1922–1928Later held the seat for a term representing the United Australia Party.
Percy Stewart Wimmera, Vic1925–1926
1930–1931
Defected from the Country Party; later formed the Country Progressive Party (1926–1930).
William McWilliams Franklin, Tas1928–1929Previously served as a Revenue Tariffist, Liberal, Nationalist, and as the first leader of the Country Party.
Billy Hughes North Sydney, NSW1929–1930Originally 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, NSW1929–1930A 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, Vic1929–1930A 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, Qld1929, 1931–1933As 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 1934–1949As the member for the Northern Territory, only had the right to vote on matters directly relating to the Territory.
Percy Spender Warringah, NSW1937–1938Independent United Australia Party. Defeated the endorsed UAP candidate and joined the party soon afterwards.
Alexander Wilson Wimmera, Vic1937–1945Independent Country Party. A member of the United Country Party but sat in parliament as an independent.
Arthur Coles Henty, Vic1940–1941
1941–1945
Briefly joined the United Australia Party in 1941.
Doris Blackburn Bourke, Vic1946–1949Independent Labor. First female federal independent MP.
Lewis Nott Australian Capital Territory 1949–1951As 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, Vic1966–1969Expelled from the Labor Party for supporting continued Australian involvement in the Vietnam War.
Ted Mack North Sydney, NSW1990–1996
Phil Cleary Wills, Vic1992
1993–1996
Disqualified in 1992.
Peter Andren Calare, NSW1996–2007
Graeme Campbell Kalgoorlie, WA1995–1996Expelled from the Labor Party for supporting Australians Against Further Immigration. Formed the Australia First Party in 1996.
Paul Filing Moore, WA1996–1998Lost Liberal preselection and ran as an independent.
Pauline Hanson Oxley, Qld1996–1997Disendorsed Liberal. Formed One Nation in 1997.
Allan Rocher Curtin, WA1996–1998Lost Liberal preselection and ran as an independent.
Bob Katter Kennedy, Qld2001–2011Resigned from the National Party in 2001. Formed Katter's Australian Party in 2011.
Tony Windsor New England, NSW2001–2013
Rob Oakeshott Lyne, NSW2008–2013
Andrew Wilkie Clark, Tas2010–presentHeld Division of Denison from 2010 to 2019, when the division was abolished and replaced by the Division of Clark
Cathy McGowan Indi, Vic2013–2019
Kerryn Phelps Wentworth, NSW2018–2019Lost seat to Dave Sharma in 2019.
Zali Steggall Warringah, NSW2019–present
Helen Haines Indi, VIC2019–presentFirst independent to succeed a previously elected independent (Cathy McGowan).
Kate Chaney Curtin, WA2022–present
Zoe Daniel Goldstein, VIC2022–present
Dai Le Fowler, NSW2022–2023Formed the Dai Le and Frank Carbone Network in 2023.
Monique Ryan Kooyong, VIC2022–present
Sophie Scamps Mackellar, NSW2022–present
Allegra Spender Wentworth, NSW2022–presentGranddaughter of Percy Spender, who also won an election as an independent.
Kylea Tink North Sydney, NSW2022–present

Not elected as independent

MemberElectorateTermNotes
Thomas Macdonald-Paterson Brisbane, Qld1903Lost Protectionist preselection.
Norman Cameron Wilmot, Tas1906Lost Anti-Socialist preselection.
James Ronald Southern Melbourne, Vic1906Seat abolished; lost Labor preselection for Melbourne Ports.
David Storrer Bass, Tas1909–1910 Protectionist who refused to join the Liberal Party at the Fusion of 1909.
Jens Jensen Bass, Tas1919Lost Nationalist preselection.
Bruce Smith Parkes, NSW1919Lost Nationalist preselection.
William Higgs Capricornia, Qld1920Expelled from the Labor Party. Joined the Nationalist Party eight months later.
Alexander Hay New England, NSW1922Expelled from the Country Party.
Edward Mann Perth, WA1929 Nationalist who crossed the floor to defeat the Bruce government.
Maurice Blackburn Bourke, Vic1937
1941–1943
Expelled (twice) from the Labor Party.
Thomas Marwick Swan, WA1943Lost Country Party preselection.
Max Falstein Watson, NSW1949Expelled from the Labor Party.
Charles Russell Maranoa, Qld1950–1951Resigned from the Country Party.
Cyril Chambers Adelaide, SA1957–1958Expelled from the Labor Party for attacking H. V. Evatt's leadership. Readmitted the following year.
Charles Morgan Reid, NSW1958Lost Labor preselection.
Edward St John Warringah, NSW1969Resigned from the Liberal Party.
Jeff Bate Macarthur, NSW1972Lost Liberal preselection.
Alex Buchanan McMillan, Vic1972Lost Liberal preselection.
John Gorton Higgins, Vic1975Resigned from the Liberal Party; contested the Senate in the Australian Capital Territory.
Don Chipp Hotham, Vic1977Resigned from the Liberal Party; about three months later, formed the Australian Democrats. Elected to the Senate in 1977.
Bill Wentworth Mackellar, NSW1977Resigned from the Liberal Party and contested the Senate.
Keith Wright Capricornia, Qld1993Expelled from the Labor Party.
Tony Smith Dickson, Qld1998Lost Liberal preselection.
Paul Zammit Lowe, NSW1998Resigned from the Liberal Party.
Andrew Theophanous Calwell, Vic2000–2001Resigned from the Labor Party.
Peter King Wentworth, NSW2004Lost Liberal preselection.
Gavan O'Connor Corio, Vic2007Lost Labor preselection.
Harry Quick Franklin, Tas2007Expelled from the Labor Party.
Michael Johnson Ryan, Qld2010Expelled from the Liberal National Party.
Peter Slipper Fisher, Qld2011–2013Resigned from the Liberal National Party on election as Speaker.
Craig Thomson Dobell, NSW2012–2013Expelled from the Labor Party.
Dennis Jensen Tangney, WA2016Lost Liberal preselection.
Julia Banks Chisholm, Vic2018–2019Resigned from the Liberal Party.
Craig Kelly Hughes, NSW2021Resigned from the Liberal Party, and later joined the United Australia Party.
Andrew Gee Calare, NSW2022–presentResigned from the National Party.
Russell Broadbent Monash, Vic2023–presentResigned from the Liberal Party.

Senate

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

MemberStateTermNotes
William Trenwith Victoria1904–1909Joined the Liberal Party at the Fusion of 1909.
Reg Turnbull Tasmania1962–1969
1970–1974
Briefly leader of the Australia Party (1969–1970).
Syd Negus Western Australia1971–1974
Michael Townley Tasmania1971–1975
1987
Joined the Liberal Party in 1975; resigned to sit as an independent again in 1987.
Cleaver Bunton New South Wales1975Appointed by the New South Wales Parliament to replace a Labor senator.
Albert Field Queensland1975Appointed by the Queensland Parliament to replace a Labor senator.
Brian Harradine Tasmania1975–2005
Jo Vallentine Western Australia1985–1990Resigned from the Nuclear Disarmament Party and re-elected under the "Vallentine Peace Group" ticket. Joined the Greens WA in 1990.
Nick Xenophon South Australia2008–2016Re-elected in 2016 under Nick Xenophon Team.
David Pocock ACT2022–presentFirst independent from a territory, elected under David Pocock party.

Not elected as independent

MemberStateTermNotes
Thomas Glassey Queensland1903Lost Protectionist preselection.
Anderson Dawson Queensland1906Announced retirement but then changed mind too late to overturn Labor preselection; contested as independent.
Sir Josiah Symon South Australia1909–1913 Free Trader who refused to join the Liberal Party at the Fusion of 1909.
Cyril Cameron Tasmania1913Lost Liberal preselection.
James Ogden Tasmania1925–1926Expelled from the Labor Party. Joined the Nationalist Party in 1926.
Walter Duncan New South Wales1929–1930A 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 Victoria1934–1935Lost Country Party preselection.
John Daly South Australia1934–1935Expelled from the state Labor party for supporting James Scullin's economic policies.
Tom Arthur New South Wales1943–1944Lost Labor preselection.
Thomas Crawford Queensland1945–1947 United Australia Party senator who was not asked to join the new Liberal Party.
Agnes Robertson Western Australia1955Lost Liberal preselection. Joined the Country Party three weeks later and won re-election.
Clive Hannaford South Australia1967Resigned from the Liberal Party over the government's support for the Vietnam War.
Reg Wright Tasmania1978Resigned from the Liberal Party.
Neville Bonner Queensland1983Lost Liberal preselection.
George Georges Queensland1986–1987Resigned from the Australian Labor Party.
Don Jessop South Australia1987Lost Liberal preselection.
Irina Dunn New South Wales1988–1990Appointed 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 Victoria1992–1993Resigned from the Australian Democrats. Contested 1993 election under the ticket "Janet Powell Independents Network".
John Devereux Tasmania1994–1995Resigned from the Labor Party.
Noel Crichton-Browne Western Australia1995–1996Expelled from the Liberal Party.
Mal Colston Queensland1996–1999Resigned 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 Australia2002–2003Resigned from the Australian Democrats in 2002. Formed the Australian Progressive Alliance in 2003.
Shayne Murphy Tasmania2002–2005Resigned from the Labor Party.
John Madigan Victoria2014–2016Resigned from the Democratic Labour Party.
Jacqui Lambie Tasmania2014–2016Resigned from the Palmer United Party. Re-elected in 2016 under Jacqui Lambie Network.
Glenn Lazarus Queensland2015–2016Resigned from the Palmer United Party.
Rod Culleton Queensland2016–2017Resigned from Pauline Hanson's One Nation.
Lucy Gichuhi South Australia2017–2018Refused to join merger of the Family First Party with the Australian Conservatives. Joined the Liberal Party in 2018.
Fraser Anning Queensland2018, 2018–2019Resigned 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 Tasmania2018Expelled from the Jacqui Lambie Network before being sworn in. Joined the National Party several months later.
Tim Storer South Australia2018–2019Resigned from the Nick Xenophon Team before being sworn in.
Cory Bernardi South Australia2019–2020Disbanded the Australian Conservatives, the party he formed after resigning from the Liberal Party in 2017.
Rex Patrick South Australia2020–2021Resigned from Centre Alliance in August 2020. Formed the Rex Patrick Team in 2021.
Lidia Thorpe Victoria2023–presentResigned from the Greens in February 2023.
David Van Victoria2023–presentResigned from the Liberal Party in June 2023.
Tammy Tyrrell Tasmania2024–presentResigned from the Jacqui Lambie Network in March 2024.

States and territories

New South Wales

New South Wales Legislative Assembly

Won election as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
James Geraghty North Sydney 1950–1953Re-elected as an independent in 1950 after being stripped of Labor preselection to recontest his seat.
John Seiffert Monaro 1950Re-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 1953–1956Resigned from the Labor Party in 1953 and re-elected as an independent.
Tom Armstrong Kahibah 1953–1957
Bill Weiley Clarence 1955Elected as independent Country, then joined the Country Party.
Frank Purdue Waratah 1959–1962
1964–1965
Douglas Darby Manly 1962–1968Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1962. Rejoined in 1968.
Harold Coates Blue Mountains 1965–1976
Joe Lawson Murray 1968–1973Resigned from the Country Party in 1968.
John Hatton South Coast 1973–1995
Ted Mack North Shore 1981–1988
Bruce Duncan Lismore 1982–1988Resigned 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 2002–2008Resigned 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–presentElected as a Liberal in 2011, was expelled from the party in 2021 and reelected as an independent.
Roy Butler Barwon 2022–presentElected as a Shooters, Fishers and Farmers in 2019, left the party in 2022.
Helen Dalton Murray 2022–presentElected as a Shooters, Fishers and Farmers in 2019, left the party in 2022.
Philip Donato Orange 2022–presentElected 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
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Clive Evatt Hurstville 1956–1959Expelled from the Labor Party in July 1956.
Alfred Dennis Blacktown 1962Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1962 after losing preselection for a safer seat.
Ben Doig Burwood 1964–1965Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1964 after losing preselection.
Bill Chaffey Tamworth 1972–1973Resigned from the Country Party in 1972.
Laurie McGinty Willoughby 1977–1978Resigned from the Liberal Party in September 1977 after losing preselection to recontest his seat.
Max Smith Pittwater 1984–1986Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1984. Resigned from parliament in 1986.
Terry Metherell Davidson 1991–1992Resigned from the Liberal Party in October 1991. Resigned from parliament in April 1992.
Terry Griffiths Georges River 1994–1995Resigned from the Liberal Party in October 1994.
Steven Pringle Hawkesbury 2006–2007Resigned from the Liberal Party in October 2006 after losing preselection for the 2007 election.
Milton Orkopoulos Swansea 2006Expelled 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 2007Expelled from the Labor Party in January 2007.
Bryce Gaudry Newcastle 2007Resigned from the Labor Party in January 2007 after losing preselection for the 2007 election.
Chris Hartcher Terrigal 2014–2015Resigned from the Liberal parliamentary party due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Chris Spence The Entrance 2014–2015Resigned from the Liberal parliamentary party due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Darren Webber Wyong 2014–2015Resigned from the Liberal parliamentary party due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Andrew Cornwell Charlestown 2014Stood 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 2014Stood 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 2014–2015Stood 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 2014–2015Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party in August 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Craig Baumann Port Stephens 2014–2015Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party in September 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Glenn Brookes East Hills 2016–2017Resigned 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 2018Resigned from the Liberal party in July due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Resigned from parliament in 2018.
John Sidoti Drummoyne 2021–2023Resigned from Liberal party due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigation. Retired in 2023.
Tania Mihailuk Bankstown 2022–2023Resigend 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

Elected as independent

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

MemberTermNotes
Frank Spicer 1934–1949Had 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 1958–1959Joined the Country Party in 1959.
Harry Sullivan 1970–1974Joined the Country Party in 1974.
Not elected as independent
MemberTermNotes
Thomas Murray 1926–1958Expelled from the Labor Party in 1926.
Hector Clayton 1937–1973A United Australia Party member upon election, but subsequently resigned as he believed it should be a non-partisan house.
Toby MacDiarmid 1985–1989Resigned from the National Party in April 1985.
Marie Bignold 1988–1991Expelled from the Call to Australia Party in November 1988.
Richard Jones 1996–2003Resigned from the Australian Democrats in March 1996. Did not face re-election in 1999. Retired in 2003.
Franca Arena 1997–1999Expelled 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 1998–1999Resigned 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 2009Expelled from the Christian Democratic Party in March 2009. Joined the Family First Party in November 2009.
Eric Roozendaal 2012–2013Suspended from the Labor Party in November 2012. Resigned from parliament in May 2013.
Marie Ficarra 2014–2015Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party in April 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations. Retired in 2015.
Mike Gallacher 2014–2017Stood aside from the Liberal parliamentary party in May 2014 due to Independent Commission Against Corruption investigations.
Jeremy Buckingham 2018–2022Resigned 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 2021Was expelled from the Liberal party for two weeks due to a disagreement in the party
Fred Nile 2022Former 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 2019–2023Resigned from The Greens in April 2019 due to disagreement with party. Retired in 2023.
Mark Latham 2023-presentResigned from One Nation after Leadership dispute with Pauline Hanson
Rod Roberts 2023-presentLeft One Nation with Mark Latham

Victoria

Victorian Legislative Assembly

Won election as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Charlie Mutton Coburg 1940–1956Expelled 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 1961–1964Lost 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 2018–2022Initially 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
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Charles Francis Caulfield 1977–1979Expelled from the Liberal Party after abstaining on an opposition no-confidence motion.
Doug Jennings Westernport 1977–1979Expelled from the Liberal Party after abstaining on an opposition no-confidence motion.
Harley Dickinson South Barwon 1992Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 1992 after losing preselection for the 1992 election.
Peter McLellan Frankston East 1998–1999Resigned from the Liberal Party in July 1998. Died on the day of the 1999 election while recontesting as an independent.
Geoff Shaw Frankston 2013–2014Resigned from the Liberal Party in March 2013.
Don Nardella Melton 2017–2018Resigned from Labor Party due to conflict of interest, retired.

Victorian Legislative Council

Not elected as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Percy Feltham Northern Province 1965–1967Resigned from the Country Party in 1965 over a dispute about the Council presidency.
Alexander Knight Melbourne West Province 1977–1979Lost Labor preselection in 1977 for the 1979 election, and was an independent by that time.
Rod Mackenzie Geelong Province 1987–1992Resigned 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, 2006Expelled 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 2005–2006Resigned from the Labor Party in April 2005.
Andrew Olexander Silvan Province 2005–2006Expelled 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 2018Resigned 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 2018–2022Resigned from Derryn Hinch's Justice Party prior to being sworn in following the 2018 election.
Adem Somyurek South-Eastern Metropolitan Region 2020–2022Resigned from Labor party in 2020. Joined the DLP in 2022 and won in the Northern Metropolitan Region.
Kaushaliya Vaghela Western Metropolitan Region 2022Resigned from Labor party in 2022. Formed the New Democrats and contested at 2022 election but lost seat.

Queensland

Queensland Legislative Assembly

Won election as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Frank Barnes Bundaberg 1941–1950
George Marriott Bulimba 1941–1950Expelled from the Labor Party in November 1941. Re-elected as an independent.
Lou Barnes Cairns 1942–1947
John Beals Chandler Hamilton 1943Formed the Queensland People's Party soon after election.
Louis Luckins Maree 1944Re-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, 1962Elected 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 1961–1965Resigned from the Country Party in 1961. Rejoined in 1965.
Arthur Coburn Burdekin 1950–1969
Bunny Adair Cook 1961–1969Refused 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 1961–1969Refused 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 1972–1977Resigned 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 1981–1986Expelled from the National Party in 1981. Re-elected as an independent in 1983.
Liz Cunningham Gladstone 1995–2015
Dorothy Pratt Nanango 1999–2012Resigned from One Nation in February 1999, and was re-elected four times as an independent.
Peter Wellington Nicklin 1998–2017
John Kingston Maryborough 1999–2003Resigned from One Nation in February 1999. Re-elected as an independent in 2001.
Lex Bell Surfers Paradise 2001–2004Won by-election following resignation of former Premier Borbidge. Defeated at 2004 election.
Elisa Roberts Gympie 2002–2006Resigned 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
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Frank Roberts Nundah 1953–1956Resigned from the Labor Party in 1953.
Tom Foley Belyando 1956–1957Expelled from the Labor Party in 1956. Joined the Queensland Labor Party in 1957.
Mick Gardner Rockhampton 1956–1957Expelled from the Labor Party in 1956. Joined the Queensland Labor Party in 1957.
Alex Dewar Wavell 1968–1969Resigned from the Liberal Party in August 1968.
Col Bennett South Brisbane 1972Lost Labor preselection in 1972 and expelled for running for re-election as an independent.
Merv Thackeray Rockhampton North 1972Lost Labor preselection in 1972 and expelled for running for re-election as an independent.
Lou Jensen Bundaberg 1977Resigned from the Labor Party after losing preselection for the 1977 election.
Col Miller Ithaca 1984–1986Resigned from the Liberal Party in August 1984.
Joe Kruger Murrumba 1986Resigned from the Labor Party in 1986 after losing preselection for the 1986 election.
Eric Shaw Manly 1988–1989Resigned from the Labor Party in September 1988 after losing preselection for the 1989 election.
Lin Powell Isis 1989Resigned from the National Party in June 1989.
Geoff Muntz Whitsunday 1989Resigned from the National Party in November 1989.
Shaun Nelson Tablelands 1999–2001Resigned from One Nation in February 1999.
Ken Turner Thuringowa 1999–2001Resigned from One Nation in February 1999.
Jeff Knuth Burdekin 1999Resigned from One Nation in February 1999. Founded the Country Party QLD in August 1999.
Jim Elder Capalaba 2000–2001Resigned from the Labor Party in November 2000 in the wake of the Shepherdson Inquiry
Grant Musgrove Springwood 2000–2001Resigned from the Labor Party in December 2000 in the wake of the Shepherdson Inquiry.
Mike Kaiser Woodridge 2001Resigned from the Labor Party in January 2001 in the wake of the Shepherdson Inquiry
Cate Molloy Noosa 2006Resigned from the Labor Party in August 2006 after losing preselection for the 2006 election
Aidan McLindon Beaudesert 2010Resigned 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 2010–2012Resigned 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 2013Suspended from the Liberal National Party in March 2013. Resigned from parliament in November 2013.
Billy Gordon Cook 2015–2017Expelled from the Labor Party in March 2015. Retired in 2017.
Rob Pyne Cairns 2016–2017Resigned from the Labor Party in March 2016. Defeated in 2017.
Rick Williams Pumicestone 2017Resigned 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

Western Australian Legislative Assembly

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

Western Australian Legislative Council

Won election as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Joseph Holmes North Province 1914–1942
Cyril Cornish North Province 1942–1946
Reg Davies North Metropolitan Region 1991–1997Resigned from the Liberal Party in 1991. Re-elected in 1993. Defeated in 1996. Term expired 1997.
Not elected as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Ron Thompson South Metropolitan Region 1977–1980Expelled from the Labor Party in 1977 after publicly opposing its policy on homosexuality.
Sam Piantadosi North Metropolitan Region 1996Resigned 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 1999–2001Resigned from the Labor Party in August 1999.
Tom Helm Mining and Pastoral 2000–2001Resigned from the Labor Party in July 2000 after losing preselection for the 2001 election.
Paddy Embry South West 2003–2004Resigned from One Nation in May 2003. Joined the New Country Party in 2004.
Alan Cadby North Metropolitan 2004–2005Resigned from the Liberal Party in June 2004 after losing preselection for the 2005 election.
John Fischer Mining and Pastoral 2004–2005Resigned from One Nation in June 2004.
Frank Hough Agricultural 2004Resigned from One Nation in June 2004. Sat as an independent until joining the New Country Party the same year.
Shelley Archer Mining and Pastoral 2007–2008Resigned from the Labor Party in November 2007.
Anthony Fels Agricultural 2008Resigned 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 2012–2013Resigned from the National Party in late 2012 after losing preselection for the 2013 election.
Philip Gardiner Agricultural 2012–2013Resigned from the National Party in late 2012 in protest at Trenorden's preselection loss.
Charles Smith East Metropolitan 2019–2020Resigned from One Nation in June 2019, He joined the Western Australia Party in May 2020.
James Hayward South West 2021–2023Was 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 2023–2024Was 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

South Australian House of Assembly

Won election as independent
MemberDistrictTermNotes
Herbert Basedow Barossa 1927–1930
1933
Thomas Thompson Port Adelaide 1927, 1927–1930Known 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 1935–1944First 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 1938–1940Joined 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 1938–1943Joined the Labor Party in 1943.
Clement Smith Victoria 1938–1941
Percy Quirke Burra 1948–1963Resigned 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 1984–1993Joined the Labor Party in 1993.
Stan Evans Davenport 1985–1986Had 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 1997–1999Joined the Liberal Party in 1999.
Peter Lewis Hammond 2000–2006Expelled from the Liberal Party in July 2000.
Bob Such Fisher 2000–2014Resigned from the Liberal Party in October 2000.
Kris Hanna Mitchell 2006–2010Had 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–presentOriginally to elected to Frome in 2009 he transferred to Stuart in 2022 after a redistribution.
Don Pegler Mount Gambier 2010–2014
Frances Bedford Florey 2017–2022Originally 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–presentResigned from the liberal party in August 2017 due to criminal charges.
Dan Cregan Kavel 2021–presentResigned from Liberal Party in October due to disagreements with the government.
Fraser Ellis Narungga 2021–presentLost preselection and resigned from the Liberal Party in 2021 after corruption findings.
Not elected as independent
MemberDistrictTermNotes
E. H. Coombe Barossa 1910–1912Refused to sign the Liberal Union pledge when his party merged into it in 1910
Clarence Goode Victoria 1918Resigned from the National Party in 1918 after losing preselection to recontest his seat
Maurice Parish Murray 1918Resigned from the National Party in 1918 after losing preselection to recontest his seat
Crawford Vaughan East Torrens 1918Resigned from the National Party in 1918
John Albert Southwood East Torrens 1920–1921Resigned from the National Party in 1920
Terry Groom Hartley 1991–1993Resigned from the Labor Party in 1991 after losing preselection to recontest his seat
Murray De Laine Price 2001–2002Resigned from the Labor Party in August 2001 after losing preselection to recontest his seat
Ralph Clarke Ross Smith 2001–2002Resigned from the Labor Party in November 2001 after losing preselection to recontest his seat
Martin Hamilton-Smith Waite 2014–2018Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 2014.
Duncan McFetridge Morphett 2017–2018Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 2017.
Sam Duluk Waite 2020-2022Resigned from the Liberal Party in February 2020. Lost re-election
Nick McBride Mackillop 2023–presentResigned from the Liberal Party in July 2023.

South Australian Legislative Council

Won election as independent
MemberDistrictTermNotes
Joseph Anderson Central No. 11931–1944
Alec Bagot Southern1938–1941
Frank Halleday Southern1938–1943
Nick Xenophon South Australia1997–2007
Ann Bressington South Australia2006–2014Elected on an Independent No Pokies ticket.
John Darley South Australia2007–2022Appointed 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
MemberDistrictTermNotes
James Wilson Central No. 11915–1918Expelled from the United Labor Party in 1915, sat as an independent until joining National Labor in 1917.
Frederick Wallis Central No. 21918–1921Expelled from Australian Labor Party in 1918.
Alfred von Doussa Southern1921The Liberal Union refused to accept his preselection nomination for the 1921 election.
Stanley Whitford Central No. 11934–1941Resigned from the Parliamentary Labor Party in March 1934.
Norm Foster South Australia1982Resigned from the Labor Party in June 1982 to support the construction of the Olympic Dam.
Terry Cameron South Australia1998–1999, 2002–2006Resigned 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 Australia1999–2002Resigned from the Labor Party to support the sale of ETSA in June 1999. Defeated in 2002.
David Winderlich South Australia2009–2010Resigned from the Australian Democrats in October 2009. Defeated in 2010.
Bernard Finnigan South Australia2011–2015Expelled from the Labor Party in May 2011 following his being charged with child pornography offences. Resigned from parliament in 2015.
Frank Pangallo South Australia2023-presentLeft SA-Best after disagreements with party leader.

Tasmania

Lower House

Won election as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Kristie Johnston Clark 2021–present
David O'Byrne Franklin 2024–presentResigned from Labor in 2024 before being elected as an independent at the state election later that year.
Craig Garland Braddon 2024–present
Not elected as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
John Tucker Lyons 2023-2024Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 2023 over stadium saga.
Lara Alexander Bass 2023-2024Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 2023 over stadium saga.
Elise Archer Clark 2023Ousted from the Liberal Party in September 2023 after bullying allegations and stood down from parliament in the October.

Upper house

Australian Capital Territory

Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly

Won election as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Michael Moore Molonglo 1989–2001Resigned from Residents Rally in October 1989. Re-elected on the "Moore Independents Group" ticket in 1992, 1995 and 1998.
Helen Szuty None1992–1995Elected on the "Moore Independents Group" ticket in 1992 and sat as an independent. Defeated in 1995.
Paul Osborne Brindabella 1995–2001Elected on the "Osborne Independents Group" ticket in 1995 and re-elected in 1998. Defeated in 2001.
Dave Rugendyke Ginninderra 1998–2001Elected on the "Osborne Independents Group" ticket in 1998. Defeated in 2001.
Not elected as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Robyn Nolan None1991Resigned from the Liberal Party in October 1991. Formed the New Conservative Group in November.
Trevor Kaine Brindabella 1998Resigned from the Liberal Party in May 1998. Formed the United Canberra Party in July.
Helen Cross Molonglo 2002–2004Expelled from the Liberal Party in September 2002. Defeated as "Helen Cross Independents" in 2004.
Richard Mulcahy Molonglo 2007–2008Expelled from the Liberal Party in December 2007. Formed the Richard Mulcahy Canberra Party in August 2008.

Northern Territory

Northern Territory Legislative Assembly

Won election as independent
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Dawn Lawrie Nightcliff 1974–1983
Ron Withnall Port Darwin 1974–1977
Denis Collins Sadadeen
Greatorex
1986–1994Lost CLP preselection in 1986 and re-elected as an independent in 1987 and 1990. Defeated in 1994.
Noel Padgham-Purich Koolpinyah
Nelson
1987–1997Lost CLP preselection for the 1987 election and re-elected as an independent in 1987, 1990 and 1994
Loraine Braham Braitling 2001–2008Resigned 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–presentResigned from the CLP in June 2015. Re-elected as an independent in 2016
Kezia Purick Goyder 2015–presentResigned 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
MemberElectorateTermNotes
Rod Oliver Alice Springs 1979–1980Resigned from the CLP in August 1979
Ian Tuxworth Barkly 1986Expelled from the CLP in December 1986. Founded the Northern Territory Nationals two weeks later
Col Firmin Ludmilla 1990Lost CLP preselection for the 1990 election
Max Ortmann Brennan 1994Lost CLP preselection for the 1994 election
Peter Maley Goyder 2005Expelled from the CLP in May 2005
Marion Scrymgour Arafura 2009Resigned 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 2012Lost CLP preselection for the 2012 election
Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu Arafura 2014Resigned from the CLP in April 2014. Rejoined the party in September.
Larisa Lee Arnhem 2014–2016Resigned 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 2014–2016Resigned from the ALP in October 2015 after losing preselection for the 2016 election.
Nathan Barrett Blain 2016Resigned from the CLP
Mark Turner Blain 2023-presentExpelled from Labor party in June 2023.

Independents with party affliation

Federal

House of Reprsentatives

MemberElectoratePartyTermNotes
Dai Le Fowler Independent-DLFCN 2023-presentFounded party in 2023 but contuines to sit as an independent in parliament

Senate

MemberElectoratePartyTermNotes
David Pocock ACT Independent-David Pocock 2022-presentElected with David Pocock party ticket but sits as an independent.

State and Territory

Victoria

Legislative Assembly
MemberElectoratePartyTermNotes
Will Fowles Ringwood Independent Labor 2023-presentRemoved from party room due to criminal investigation.
Legislative Council
MemberElectoratePartyTermNotes
Moira Deeming Western Metropolitan Region Independent Liberal 2023-presentExpelled from party room after attempting to sue party leader.

Western Australia

Legislative Council
MemberElectoratePartyTermNotes
Wilson Tucker Mining and Pastoral Region Independent-Daylight Saving Party 2023-presentParty deregistered due to new laws in 2023, Wilson Tucker is still a party member just sits as an independent.

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References

  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

  1. Nine in New South Wales, five in South Australia, four in the Northern Territory, three in Tasmania, one in Queensland and one in Victoria.
  2. Seven in Tasmania, two in New South Wales, two in Victoria, one in South Australia and one in Western Australia.
  3. One in Victoria.
  4. One in Victoria and one in Western Australia.