Crossbench MP Rebekha Sharkie would seek to negotiate with the government first should the election deliver a hung parliament.
The South Australian Centre Alliance MP said she would reach out to the coalition first to help form a minority government, if no party wins a majority of seats at the May 21 poll.
In a statement, Ms Sharkie said she has not had talks with either major party on prospective deals to form government.
“In the unlikely even of a hung parliament, my community would expect me to speak with the current government first. I would afford the ALP the same courtesy if they were in government,” she said.
“I do not believe it is a single person’s job to change the government – that responsibility lies with the broader Australian community.
“The prospect of one person choosing to change government when a clear mandate has not been given by the Australian people makes me uncomfortable.”
The prospect of a hung parliament has loomed over the federal election campaign, with both major parties seeing a drop in their primary vote and a large number of seats being challenged by prominent independents.
Ms Sharkie said her allegiance was to her electorate of Mayo and not to any major party.
“The seat of Mayo has never been held by the Labor Party, and I am cognisant of that. However, I do not support any party except Centre Alliance,” she said.
“Throughout my two terms in parliament, I have built constructive relationships with both the government and the opposition, and this will not change regardless of the result of the upcoming election.”
Ms Sharkie holds the seat of Mayo with a 5.1 per cent margin.
