Federal election 2022: Curtin independent Kate Chaney won’t rule out deal with either major party

Independent candidate for Curtin Kate Chaney is refusing to nominate which major party would have her support in the event of a hung Parliament – but said a commitment to legislating a Federal anti-corruption commission and stronger action on climate change would headline her demands. The most recent Newspoll – released Monday – found the primary vote of both Labor and the Coalition had eroded, increasing the likelihood a bevy of independents running in traditional Liberal strongholds will hold the balance of power following next month’s election. Support for minor parties and independents was tracking at 29 per cent – compared to 21 per cent at the 2019 election – while Labor’s first preference vote had slumped to 36 per cent and the Coalition to 35 per cent. That raises the prospect of the current eight-person crossbench swelling even further in size and the keys to the Lodge resting with a block of so-called “teal independents” running on similar platforms of climate action and restoring integrity to government. Climate 200 – convened by outspoken climate change activist Simon Holmes a Court - is helping to fund the independents, pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into their campaigns. Utting Research polling commissioned by the West Australian found Curtin was on a knife edge earlier this month while a separate UComms poll placed Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on course for a 59-41 hiding at the hands of independent Monique Ryan in the inner-Melbourne electorate of Kooyong. Ms Chaney – the granddaughter of Menzies Government Minister Fred Chaney – said she had not ruled out working with either major party if her bid to wrestle Curtin from incumbent Liberal MP Celia Hammond proves successful. “Nothing can be taken for granted until the results are in,” Ms Chaney said. “Regardless of their current positions, if we have a hung parliament I’d be willing to negotiate with both parties as would be my responsibility as an independent member. “My support would depend on which party was willing to make a serious, on-going commitment to the long term issues that matter to the voters of Curtin and this country, particularly climate action and a federal anti-corruption commission.” Ms Chaney’s stance would appear to place her most firmly in the Labor camp, with Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese already pledging to establish a Federal ICAC before the end of the year. By contrast, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has effectively dropped his 2019 commitment to establish a Federal corruption watchdog. Federal Labor has also promised a 43 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions – compared to 2005 levels – by 2030, where Mr Morrison’s commitment remains unchanged at 26-28 per cent. Both Mr Morrison and Mr Albanese have ruled out striking a deal with independents to form government if they failed to reach the 76 House of Representatives seats required to win a majority in their own right. “This is a clear choice … a vote for these independents at this election is a vote for instability and uncertainty,” Mr Morrison said on Tuesday. “It’s the Forrest Gump principle … you never know what you’re going to get. “That’s why I don’t support the independents and I have no plans whatsoever to support the independents or do a deal with them.” Mr Albanese also ruled out horse trading with the independents when quizzed on the issue during an interview with a Brisbane radio station. “There will be no deal with the independents and crossbenchers,” Mr Albanese said. “I’m seeking to form a government in my own right. I’m the only person running for Prime Minister who can form a government in their own right.”