Prominent state independent MP Alex Greenwich says a cashless card for poker machines will become law in New South Wales, regardless of which party wins this month's election.
The member for Sydney has been pushing for gambling reform and it has become a contested campaign issue.
Premier Dominic Perrottet has promised a re-elected Coalition government will make all poker machines in pubs and clubs cashless by the end of 2028, while Labor has announced it will trial cashless technology in 500 of the almost 90,000 machines in the state.
Mr Greenwich is supportive of the Coalition's policy, but is critical of the opposition's approach.
"Cashless gaming is going to pass the New South Wales parliament whether the Labor party likes it or not," he said.
"Whether it is the Coalition and the crossbench working together in government, or in opposition, we are going to get this legislation through.
"If Labor gets elected and they don't push it, I'll do a private members' bill and do it."
Independents have played 'critical role' in NSW parliament
It is a significant declaration, ahead of a tight election contest that could result in a hung parliament.
If that is the outcome, Mr Greenwich is likely to be the kingmaker, so he could play an even greater role in state politics.
The independent MP, who has been in parliament since 2012, has already had big wins with two private members' bills.
Legislation to decriminalise abortion and to legalise voluntary assisted dying passed the last parliament after conscience votes.
"Independents have played a critical role in New South Wales parliament," Mr Greenwich said.
"We've always been putting forward the more difficult decisions for the major parties and succeeding."
While the Coalition won the 2019 election with a majority, it ended the parliamentary term in minority.
For Labor to win a majority, it needs to gain nine seats.
The last time an election produced a hung parliament was in 1991, and the Greiner government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three independents — Peter Macdonald, Clover Moore and John Hatton.
The trio guaranteed supply in exchange for parliamentary reforms, including the introduction of fixed terms, changes to electoral funding and increased powers for the ombudsman and auditor-general.
"I can't think that many people would think of any real downside to what came out of that," independent member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said.
"But they can think about some of the major integrity issues that came out of it and I think it worked."
Mr Piper is currently the longest-serving independent MP in the state and holds his seat — near Newcastle — with a margin of 23 per cent.
'It's probably going to be a minority government'
He says he believes an independent's role is working across the aisles and ensuring stability of government.
"I would not want to see a crossbench who agreed to establish a government, or provide confidence to a government, and then think that they are going to be the government," he said.
"That's just wrong."
There are seven independent MPs recontesting their seats. There are also independent candidates considered competitive in areas won by independents in the federal election.
The Climate 200 group is supporting four teal candidates in Sydney's north, and one in the southern highlands.
Click on the seats to see who is standing.
Ahead of the election, some of the independents have been putting forward issues that are important to them which could sway their support if a minority government needed to be formed.
Mr Piper, like Mr Greenwich, wants cashless gaming. The Lake Macquarie MP is also pushing for tougher rules for government grants programs.
Along with gambling reform, Mr Greenwich wants gay conversion practices banned, which both the premier and opposition leader have now supported.
Independent Wagga Wagga MP Joe McGirr is calling for a greater reduction of feral horse numbers in the Kosciuszko National Park, while the Shooters-turned-independent MP Phil Donato is urging for follow-through on the promise to raise the Wyangala Dam wall.
"It's probably going to be a minority government either way," Orange MP Phil Donato said.
"I'll look at, if it comes to it, who offers the best outcomes and best support for my local electorate."
None of the independent MPs are revealing which party they are inclined to support if there is a hung parliament.
Mr Greenwich says he believes there will be an expanded crossbench after the election.
"You obviously have to respect that the government is the government, or the opposition is the opposition, and they both play a key role.
"Our job though is to help push them, to help them deliver reforms that are good for the community."
