Anthony Albanese slammed the door shut to striking a deal with independents in the event of a hung parliament.
All polling indicates the May 21 poll will be a tight contest and that could result in the major parties needing the support of independents to govern.
But the Labor leader was emphatic in his rejection of such a deal on Tuesday.
“There will be no deal with the independents and crossbenchers. I’m seeking to form a government in my own right,” he told Brisbane’s 4BC.
“I’m the only person running for prime minister who can form a government in their own right.”
While Labor maintains a lead over the Coalition in the latest Newspoll – 53 to 47 on a two party preferred basis – primary votes for the two major parties have kept the reality of a hung parliament in play.
Labor’s primary vote has dropped to 36 per cent, falling one point from the previous poll and down from 41 per cent just a few weeks ago.
However, the Coalition also took a hit, declining to 35 per cent.
Australia’s last hung parliament was in 2010 when Julia Gillard negotiated a supply and confidence arrangement with the crossbench, despite Labor winning one less seat than the Coalition.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce was asked several times on Tuesday if he would be willing to negotiate with the “teal” independents.
The Coalition is under pressure in several blue ribbon seats across the country from challengers with links to the Climate 200 movement, such as Allegra Spender and Monique Ryan.
Many use a teal colour palette – hence the name ‘teal independents’ – and are demanding greater action on climate change and a federal anti-corruption commission.
But Mr Joyce declined to respond to the question, insisting he would “not go down a hypothetical path” on the issue.
It echoes the sentiment shared by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday.
The Coalition is under pressure in several blue ribbon seats acrossxjmtzyw the country from challengers with links to the Climate 200 movement.
Greater action on climate change and a federal anti-corruption commission are key sticking points for the so-called teal independents.
But the Energy Minister has ruled out a cut to Australia’s coal and gas industry to stay in power.
“We have been very clear on our policies in this area,” Angus Taylor told 4BC.
“We will not be cutting off those major projects in order to reduce our emissions.”
