A joint statement from the most prominent independents from across the country contesting the May 18 federal election, brokered by the Australian Conservation Foundation, was released on Wednesday (May 1) calling for deeper cuts to greenhouse gas emissions and a faster adoption of renewable energy.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported the two major parties will face demands from the independent alliance to block the Adani coal mine and take concrete action on climate change as a part of their list of conditions for their support in the next Parliament.

"We come from different parts of Australia, and different political backgrounds, but are united by a desire to represent the long term public interest of Australia and best interests of our local communities.

"We recognise that to be a true servant of our communities and our national parliament, we must demonstrate and deliver strong leadership on climate change," the Climate Leadership Agreement states.

The Agreement is supported by Julia Banks in the electorate of Flinders, Helen Haines in Indi, Rob Oakeshott in Cowper, Kerryn Phelps in Wentworth, Zali Steggall in Warringah, Andrew Wilkie in Clark and Oliver Yates in Kooyong.

Mr Oakeshott said the most recent federal decision to allow the Adani project to proceed, clearing the mine's groundwater plan, must be reviewed.

"I'm not confident it's been a transparent process, particularly on issues around groundwater," Mr Oakeshott, who helped legislate the "water trigger" in federal environment law during the Gillard government, told SMH.

"There's no social license on this project. There's questionable findings on whether it stands up with a business case and whether the process has been transparent.

"I do think there are issues which are reviewable in the next Parliament."

Mr Oakeshott has also thrown his support behind the call for a formal investigation into the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and a "tough National Integrity Commission" to take immediate action and investigate water buy backs.

"I am concerned that questionable water buyback policies are taking money that could be coming to much needed projects improving coastal wetlands and our local river systems," Mr Oakeshott said.

"Better climate change policy is one of several opportunities this election alongside improving the NDIS, NBN, small business tax climate, and protecting retirement and superannuation savings. I think all MPs have a role to play in reflecting these issues, as it is community expectation they get addressed.

"The rise of community-based independents reflects a breakdown at senior levels of party politics to come to terms with these community expectations, wants and needs. People are right to reject party politics when it stops listening."

A national integrity commission within the first six months of the new Parliament is considered a key policy that would have to be embraced to ensure the alliance's support.

The demands are a sign of confidence among key independents that climate change policy will help swing the federal election, helping them defeat Liberal or Nationals candidates.

Only one of the independents, Mr Wilkie, refused to negotiate at all with the major parties in the event of a tight election outcome that repeated the hung Parliament of 2010 or the minority government Mr Morrison has led since late last year, SMH reported.

"I will not do a deal with one party or the other to help them form government," Mr Wilkie said, adding that his experience in 2010 showed that he could be "taken for granted" if he cemented a deal with one of the major parties.

"I've learned that you don't have to have a deal to be in a very fortunate position in the Parliament."

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