MINORITY political parties are planning to circle on the seat of Lyne in the lead-up to the federal election.
While Nationals candidate David Gillespie is regarded by bookmakers as the hot favourite to replace independent MP Rob Oakeshott on 14 September, the likes of Bob Katter and Clive Palmer are expected to make a bid for the Port Macquarie-based seat.
Katter’s Australian Party and the Palmer United Party have indicated they will run a candidate in all 150 seats in the House of Representatives.
Both have been critical of the government and hung parliament, which was given power by Mr Oakeshott and fellow independent Tony Windsor after the 2010 election.
Mr Gillespie, who is rated a $1.08 chance by online gaming firm Sportsbet.com.au, said he welcomed the competition.
“That’s the beauty of the Australian democracy – everyone is allowed to have a go,” he said.
Mr Gillespie wouldn’t be drawn into talks of “favouritism” for Lyne and said he wasn’t taking anything for granted.
“I’m just concentrating on the day-to-day campaigning,” he said.
“I think people are keen to see a change of government, though.”
Candidates for Katters Australia Party and the Palmer United Party have yet to be announced.
Another likely contender for the seat of Lyne will be the 21st Century Australia Party, which is led by motivational speaker Jamie McIntyre.
Mr McIntyre launched his party last month and has already signalled his intention to take aim at Mr Oakeshott and Mr Windsor.
Like the Katter and Palmer parties, Mr McIntyre also wants to run candidates in all 150 seats.
“The public’s more than ready for political change, and we’re going to push for changing an outdated 19th century system,” he said.
Mr McIntyre has been a long-time critic of the independents’ support for the Labor minority government following the 2010 election.
At one point he offered $250,000 for a campaign to prevent Mr Windsor’s re-election.
A Young Australian of the Year nominee in 1999, Mr McIntyre advertises himself as an educator, author and mentor.
He has founded 12 companies worth a combined $40 million and owns six properties in the New England region.
A 21st Century Australia Party candidate for Lyne has yet to be announced, but a spokeswoman from the party said a decision would be made “soon”.
SPORTSBET ODDS
- Coalition (David Gillespie) $1.08
- Independent (Rob Oakeshott) $10
- Country Labor (Peter Alley) $31
No odds offered about any other candidate
