Stakeholders rarely invest in community independents, as independents are not likely to form a government and hold as much power compared to someone a part of a governing party. Independents are, therefore, much less likely to be influenced by external sources or ulterior motives, leaving their loyalty to the community they were elected to serve.

In our two-party system, stakeholders provide significant amounts of donations to both parties, knowing that it is most likely one of them that will form government. As the government in charge creates most laws and regulations, stakeholders want to influence politicians to ensure they receive the most benefits, such as lower taxes and fewer restrictions.

The major parties rely heavily on a handful of big donors to fund their election campaigns. Stakeholders, therefore, manipulate major parties by providing campaign funds or other benefits in return for their interests to receive greater attention. Major donors to political parties are far more likely to get a meeting with a senior minister.

Community independents are actively trying to change this corrupt culture and create more political integrity.

Federal Independent MP for Kooyong, Dr Monique Ryan, introduced the Lobbying (Improving Government Honesty and Trust) Bill 2023 in November 2023. This Bill was not able to proceed to the Senate. It introduced a more extensive code of conduct for lobbying that would have been enforceable, with penalties of up to $30,000 for certain breaches. It also required lobbyists to report their meetings four times a year and ministers to publish their diaries.

Similarly, In early December 2023, Independent Senator for the ACT, David Pocock, successfully moved a motion to inquire into professional lobbying.

Independents have proven that they’re more likely to clamp down on corruption and a lack of integrity in politics as they don’t have the backing or influence of large private corporations.