The independent effect—the relevance, influence and impact of independent politicians on a parliamentary democracy

‘Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.’* In the entrance to the State Parliament of Victoria in Australia, the aforementioned words can be seen on the mosaic floor of the vestibule. Although these words originate from a biblical proverb that is more than 2000 years old, they are directly relevant to any parliamentary democracy, no matter how old. The overarching principle being that a healthy democracy is reliant on the contributions of many stakeholders. Political parties are relevant and influential participants in a political system and democracy without parties would not be possible. However, what value do non-party (or independent) politicians bring to a parliamentary democracy? Do independents have relevance and influence in a political system as well?, What do independents have to offer a parliamentary democracy?, and Do they make an indispensable contribution to a parliamentary democracy? In answering these questions, the paper offers a theoretical framework from which to understand the world of independent politics and the independent effect—the impact of independents on a parliamentary democracy through their contributions. The paper will draw from recent research on the history and place of independents in parliamentary democracies—specifically those in Australia—federally and in its six states and two territories. *Proverbs 11:14.