Xenophon makes his way into the 2016 election fray

Five crossbenchers may determine the outcome of Australia’s 2016 federal election, which is looking to head towards a hung parliament.

Should this occur, the Coalition (Liberal) government will need the support of key crossbenchers, including Bob Katter, Cathy McGowan and Nick Xenophon.

While willing to negotiate, Xenophon has outlined a number of issues he wishes to be addressed in return for his support - these include the protection of local manufacturing jobs, assistance for steelmaker Arrium, as well as poker machine reforms - the implementation of $1 bets per spin and $120 in hourly losses.

Xenophon has been known as an support of anti-gambling reforms, building his political platform on the issue for decades.

“The poker machines industry is an industry based on exploitation and greed. No matter how powerful and cashed up the pokies lobby is, the fact is most Australians want to see sensible practical reforms to curb the damage caused by pokies,” said Xenophon in a statement on his website.

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