Political experts have found a 'true independent' pattern to Wagga MP Joe McGirr's voting record in Parliament.
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The Daily Advertiser has tracked Dr McGirr's formal division votes since he was sworn into NSW Parliament last year right up to the last sitting day for 2019 in November.
The results show Dr McGirr was a reliable supporter of legislation put forward by the Coalition government, but he also supported some of the bills put forward by Labor.
Dr McGirr has also supported amendments put forward by The Greens and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party on two occasions each.
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Dr Stewart Jackson, a senior lecturer in government and international relations at the University of Sydney, said Dr McGirr "definitely" had lived up to his label as an independent.
"[Dr McGirr] is generally supportive of what the Coalition puts up but the one that sticks out is the reproductive health care reform; it's the one where he has gone 'I'm really not going to agree'," Dr Jackson said.
The bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW was technically not put forward by the government, but it was co-sponsored by a number of senior government ministers as a private members bill.
Dr Jackson said Dr McGirr's tendency to support the Coalition was to be expected from a country-based MP, as was his support for the 'Right to Farm' anti-trespass bill.
"He's done the right thing by farmers", Dr Jackson said.
Charles Sturt University associate professor in Political Science Dominic O'Sullivan said limitations on the voting record prevented him from making a definitive judgement.
"His voting record is mixed...he is obviously an independent, he thinks carefully and independently about each piece of legislation that comes before the Parliament," Dr O'Sullivan said.
"He has obviously not done any deal with either the government or the ALP to vote with them most of the time.
"There is quite a contrast with [One Nation leader] Pauline Hanson in the Senate, who almost always votes for the Coalition."
Dr McGirr said he tried to look at each piece of legislation "on its merits".
"I'm taking into account the views of the community and the quality of the legislation," he said.
"The environment is a particular concern of mine. Having said that, I do think the government should be allowed to govern."
Dr McGirr said he had tried to act "in good faith" on contentious issues.
"Will everyone be happy with how I voted? I'd suggest that no, that won't be the case," he said.