Key Independents raise spectre of fresh Oz polls over non-fulfilment of demands

CANBERRA - Three Australian independent MPs, Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and Bob Katter, who are key to deciding the composition of the government, have put forward a letter to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott with seven demands for information, and a written commitment that the next government will serve a full three-years term, or be ready to face another poll.

According to the Courier Mail, the trio said that they had requested a comprehensive update on the nation’s finances as part of their negotiations with the major parties.

Windsor said that the independent have announced a series of demands for Labor and the Coalition in negotiations to form a minority government, and if they fail to fulfil their expectation, both parties could be left with a “third option” of another poll.

“When we get the information back we could all head in different directions and there is a third direction, if there isn’t goodwill displayed and we can’t see a future in terms of the longevity of the parliament itself, there could be another poll,” he warned.

The independents want Treasury briefings on the costing of both Labor and Coalition’s election promises, briefings from ministers, shadow ministers and department secretaries, and details of plans for parliamentary reform aimed at boosting MPs’ authority.

“We have met and requested information on seven key areas that we think are important to consider if we get down the pointy end of negotiations,” Oakeshott said.

The trio expressed their hope of establishing a pathway where a government can be formed and can be very proactive and progressive for the future of Australia. (ANI)