And the re-elected Lyne MP believes the Mid-North Coast could benefit.

After comfortably sweeping to victory in Saturday’s election, Mr Oakeshott has found himself a wanted man.

The likelihood of a hung parliament, where no party gains a majority, means Mr Oakeshott and his fellow independents could decide the future of the government.

Mr Oakeshott yesterday said he had spoken with Labor leader Julia Gillard and the Liberal’s Tony Abbott “several times” since Saturday’s election.

He also had a teleconference scheduled with independents Bob Katter and Tony Windsor last night.

Mr Oakeshott said no decision had been made by the trio – all former National party members – to work as a block.

“Someone like Bob might end up running with one pack that he thinks is going to make a majority and I might end up running with another,” he said. “There is no clear answer on that at this stage.”

Mr Oakeshott emphasised his focus was to achieve a “stable government”.

He would wait to see what unfolded in the three seats yet to be decided before choosing a course of action.

There is a possibility the independents will join forces to help form a government.

“That doesn’t mean you have to vote together on every single issue,” Mr Oakeshott said.

He also believed Lyne could benefit from the extra attention his position as potential kingmaker has brought.

“Now if due to the numbers in other seats more power or influence seems to drift our way, or more attention to our local issues drifts our way from those with minister’s hats on, then my simple message is bring it on,” he said.