The widely-touted expectation that Wagga MP Joe McGirr could be a political kingmaker in a minority government failed to eventuate, but he will still have influence, according to a political expert.
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As counting continued, it is expected Dubbo will go to The Nationals' Dugald Saunders, giving NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian the 47th seat she needs for an outright majority in the 93-seat lower house.
With Liberals' Wendy Lindsay narrowly ahead of Labor's Cameron Murphy in the seat of East Hills, the Coalition may even pick up a 48th seat.
While Dr McGirr may not be critical in helping form a government, Charles Sturt University's Dominic O'Sullivan believes the independent MP will still be in a strong position in the new parliament.
"The Premier herself said she wouldn't take the independents for granted," Professor O'Sullivan said.
"Things change. There might be a byelection or two, or there might be a contentious piece of legislation that some government MPs don't support.
"MPs do also have influence even when not in government. They can lobby for things.
"Dr McGirr is not bound by a party whip. He can vote the way he chooses."
The Wagga MP has himself already urged the Premier to work with the minor parties.
"It's just too narrow for them not to," Dr McGirr said.
"I hope they will work closely with the independents particularly, Greg [Piper], Alex [Greenwich] and myself.
"We're keen to explore that. I think that will be a good opportunity."
While the composition of the lower house is now largely known, counting is continuing in the Legislative Council.
The Coalition has already won 7.5 quotas, before any preferences are distributed, which means Wagga-based Wes Fang looks likely to be re-elected.
The Nationals' Mr Fang was in eighth position on the Coalition ticket.
Mr Fang told The Daily Advertiser he expected he would be re-elected.
However, Wagga's Vanessa Keenan will miss out on a spot in the upper house.
At number 18 on the Labor ticket, Ms Keenan said she had not been expecting to be elected.
However, she said it had been a great experience to be involved and to be "standing up" during what was her first foray into state politics.
"It's a really good sign that the Labor party branch in Wagga is really healthy," she said.
"We were well-represented at the election with me and Dan Hayes and will be at the federal election by Mark Jeffreson and Mary Ross.
"We will continue making sure the issues which affect Wagga are well represented."
