A senior NSW minister has already claimed that Dr McGirr, sitting outside the government, is not capable of achieving significant gains for the Wagga electorate.

On the other hand, current and former independent MPs have told The Daily Advertiser that they were able to maintain funding and influence in their electorates "above their weight".

Former New England MP Tony Windsor said independents spurred governments to act by challenging the major parties' status quo.

"There's no doubt that independents have had in impact on the parliament and its not about the power of their personality, it's the competitive nature of politics," he said.

"Particularly in regional areas, where there has been this underlying assumption for decades that the majority of people will vote a particular way so they think 'why bother about them?'

"The political parties know they don't have to bother because they know where the votes are going."

Following the 2010 federal election, Mr Windsor and independent Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott were lobbied heavily by Labor leader Julia Gillard and Liberal leader Tony Abbott for their support in forming government.

Ms Gillard committed billions of dollars in spending to secure the support of the two independents ahead of the Coalition following an extraordinary two-week period without an election winner.

Mr Windsor denied that a minority government was the only circumstances where independents could be successful.

Independent Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said he had been able to secure funding despite facing difficulties with both Labor and Coalition governments.

"We always have to look at the individual candidates whether its an independent candidate or a party candidate," he said.

"There might be standout candidates from major parties who are a better proposition for the time than an independent candidate.

"If people feel that a candidate can support them and understands an electorate, there's no reason not to support an independent." 

Charles Sturt University associate professor in political science Dominic O'Sullivan said the question over the effectiveness of independents was "subjective".

"It's like asking if you should vote for Labor or the Liberals; the answer comes down to one's personal values and what you think an MP should achieve" he said.

"Certainly an independent MP can do things, but the voters have to decide if it's things he or she want them to do." 

Professor O'Sullivan believes the Coalition's first priority will be to attempt to win back the seat of Wagga.

"Trying to regain seats like Wagga and Orange makes more sense for the Coalition than trying to pick up Labor seats in Sydney," he said.

"Wagga and Orange were lost in peculiar circumstances which might not matter as much during a general election."

Professor O'Sullivan said the desire for an outright win will sweep aside concerns over hurt feelings damaging any later attempts to recruit Dr McGirr into supporting a minority Coalition government. 

There's certainly been early signs that the government will take an aggressive stance in campaigning.

NSW Nationals MP and Police Minister Troy Grant pulled no punches last month during a visit to Wagga.

"If you want to have an independent representative in Wagga you are going to have a 'Doctor Who' in Parliament," Mr Grant said at the time.

"Noone knows who he is, noone knows what he's going to do.

"The reality is he might be the nicest guy in the world but he can't achieve anything for you."

Dr McGirr laughed it off at the time, saying he would "take it as a compliment" given the popularity of the BBC TV science fiction character.

Mr Piper said Mr Grant's comments were disrespectful to voters' choices.

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