A group of independent candidates have vowed to use their influence to stop the Adani coal mine in Queensland if elected.
As the polls tighten ahead of the 18 May election, the major parties face the prospect of needing to negotiate with successful independents to form government or get their legislation through.
Seven high profile candidates have issued a combined statement vowing to work together to achieve meaningful action on climate change, with blocking the Carmichael mine topping their list of demands.
The joint statement states that full development of the Galilee Basin including the Adani mine would double Australia's coal exports and significantly contribute to global climate change.
The Adani mine has divided Australian voters. Source: AAP Image/Dave Hunt
"Extreme weather events, loss of native species, landscape changes, and sea-level rise are all now driving increased mitigation and adaptation costs on government and business, a loss of investment opportunity, lack of economic certainty, and damaging our future standard of living and health of our country."
Signatories to the agreement, brokered by the Australian Conservation Fund, include Zali Steggall who is challenging former prime minister Tony Abbott in Warringah and Wentworth MP Kerryn Phelps, who claimed the seat after Malcolm Turnbull's departure.
Independent MP Kerryn Phelps has joined with other candidates to demand action on climate change. Source: AAP
Former boss of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Oliver Yates, who is up against Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, and Cowper independent candidate Rob Oakshott, a kingmaker in the Julia Gillard minority government, has also signed the statement.
The group's other demands include exceeding Australia's Paris Agreement emissions reduction target, without counting Kyoto credits, and increase funding to protect threatened species and habitat.
Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who is expected to be reelected in the renamed Tasmanian electorate of Clark, signed the agreement but has ruled out negotiating with either major parties.
Meanwhile, the mining union has accused the Queensland Labor government of double standards for approving a thermal coal mine in the state but dragging its heels approving the Adani mine in the Galilee Basin.
